@anadoluagency ⚖️ The lawyer of the activists on the Madleen ship detained by Israel, Lubna Tuma, said that they reject the accusation of 'illegally entering Israel', stating that 'the activists were brought there against their will' ⤵️ — 'We argued that the entry to Israel law all this legal framework can only apply if someone is entering Israel, by his free will' — 'This situation for the activists is completely different. They were dragged against their will, which means even kidnaped into Israel' — 'Therefore this law, can’t apply. They didn't enter Israel. They were forced to enter Israel' — 'Second of all, they were seized in an international water and not in Israeli water' #israel #gaza #madleen #activists #anadolu #anadoluagency ♬ Anadolu English - orijinal ses - Anadolu English

✨ Play "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick 🎶

This song embodies solidarity—not just among the Madleen’s crew, who stood together in their mission, but also in their unwavering support for the Palestinian people. Their journey was more than an act of defiance; it was a statement of friendship, compassion, and shared humanity with those facing hardship in Gaza.

As the lyrics remind us: "Keep smilin', keep shinin', Knowin' you can always count on me for sure— That's what friends are for."

Their mission reflects the heart of these words—standing by one another through good times and bad, offering hope where it’s needed most. 🚢🌍💙

🎶🕺💃✨🎶🌈 "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick

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On June 1, 2025, environmental activist Greta Thunberg and 11 fellow activists set sail from Catania, Sicily, aboard the Madleen, a humanitarian aid vessel organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

Their mission: to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver critical medical supplies, raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the region.

🚨 Intercepted in International Waters

On June 9, Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen in international waters, halting the voyage before it could reach Gaza. According to reports, Israeli forces rammed and boarded the vessel, using drones and sound interference to disrupt communications. The activists were taken to Ashdod Port, where they underwent detention and interrogation.

✈️ Thunberg Deported, Others Detained

On June 10, Thunberg was deported to Sweden, but eight activists remain detained in Givon prison, Ramle, Israel. Among them is Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, who has initiated a hunger and water strike in protest. Detainees have reported poor conditions, including bed bugs and unsafe tap water.

⚖️ Legal & Political Fallout

The interception of the Madleen has ignited international legal debates, with activists and human rights groups condemning Israel’s actions as violations of international law. Legal organizations, including Adalah, argue that the seizure of the boat and the detention of peaceful activists violates humanitarian principles.

🔥 Thunberg Speaks Out

Upon arrival in Paris, Thunberg condemned Israel’s actions, calling the interception a form of kidnapping. She vowed to continue advocating for Palestinian rights, stating, “We will not stop. We promised the Palestinian people to do everything we can.”

🌍 Activists’ Status

• Greta Thunberg (Sweden) 🇸🇪 – Deported to Sweden ✈️
• Omar Faiad (France) 🇫🇷 – Journalist (Al Jazeera) Deported ✈️
• Baptiste Andre (France) 🇫🇷 – Activist Deported ✈️
• Sergio Toribio (Spain) 🇪🇸 – Activist Deported ✈️
• Rima Hassan (France-Palestine) 🇫🇷🇵🇸 – Detained in Israel ⛔
• Yasemin Acar (Germany) 🇩🇪 – Detained in Israel ⛔
• Thiago Ávila (Brazil) 🇧🇷 – Detained in Israel ⛔ (On hunger and water strike)
• Pascal Maurieras (France) 🇫🇷 – Detained in Israel ⛔
• Yanis Mhamdi (France) 🇫🇷 – Detained in Israel ⛔
• Suayb Ordu (Türkiye) 🇹🇷 – Detained in Israel ⛔
• Marco van Rennes (Netherlands) 🇳🇱 – Detained in Israel ⛔
•Reva Viard (France) 🇫🇷 – Detained in Israel ⛔

🏛️ Lessons from the Madleen Mission

1️⃣ Visibility amplifies humanitarian crises – Thunberg’s presence ensured global awareness of Gaza’s humanitarian challenges.
2️⃣ Activism carries risks – The activists faced detention and deportation, highlighting the dangers of advocacy in politically charged situations.
3️⃣ International law & human rights matter – The interception raises urgent legal questions about humanitarian aid and activist rights.
4️⃣ Persistence fuels change – Despite setbacks, the activists remain committed to their mission, demonstrating resilience in pursuit of justice.
5️⃣ Governments shape global activism – Israel’s response to the Madleen mission underscores how political decisions impact humanitarian efforts.

#MadleenMission 🚢 #SolidarityForPalestine 🤝🌍 #ActivismAtSea ✊⚓ #HumanitarianAid 💙🏥 #ThatsWhatFriendsAreFor 🎶✨