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Israeli officials are preparing to deport 12 activists detained aboard the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen through what sources describe as a "quick deportation process" following their arrival at Ashdod port Monday evening.
The detained passengers, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, French European Parliament member Rima Hassan and Turkish national Huseyin Suayb Ordu, are expected to be transported to Ben-Gurion Airport for deportation to their home countries after being brought to Ashdod port, according to a source familiar with the matter.
"The vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries," Israel's Foreign Ministry stated in a social media post Monday.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had announced he instructed military personnel to screen videos of the Hamas attacks from October 7, 2023, to the activists upon their arrival at Ashdod port. Katz had previously vowed to prevent the Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel from reaching Gaza, calling it a "selfie yacht" carrying "celebrities."
The French Foreign Ministry confirmed six French citizens were aboard the Madleen and said it was in contact with Israeli authorities to secure their return. CNN reported that President Emmanuel Macron "has requested that arrangements be made, as quickly as possible, for the return" of French nationals.
The French government had previously warned the activists against their mission "due to the risks involved," according to the ministry statement.
Israeli authorities said they confiscated the vessel's humanitarian cargo, which the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported included baby formula, food and medical supplies. Israel stated it would transfer these goods to Gaza through established humanitarian channels.
The detention comes as Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis following an 11-week Israeli blockade of aid that ended in late May, with international organizations warning of widespread famine risk among the territory's 2.1 million residents.
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