Sweden Engages With Israel Following Interception of Aid Ship and Detention of Activists

By Burak Bir | June 9, 2025

LONDON – Sweden confirmed on Monday that it is in communication with the Israeli government after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid ship in international waters, detaining activists on board, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry released a statement indicating that they are closely monitoring the situation following the interception of the Madleen, a British-flagged aid ship. The ministry emphasized that relevant missions abroad are aware of the circumstances and are actively following developments.

"The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and relevant missions abroad are aware of the situation and are monitoring developments," stated the press office of the Swedish Foreign Ministry in response to an inquiry from Anadolu Agency. The ministry further noted that the Swedish Embassy in Tel Aviv is in contact with local authorities regarding the matter.

Early on Monday, the Israeli forces boarded the Madleen before it could reach Gaza, before subsequently towing the vessel to an Israeli port. The aid mission comprised twelve individuals: eleven activists and one journalist, all dedicated to delivering humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza, amid ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region.

In addition to Thunberg, the group included several other activists from different countries, including Germany, France, Brazil, Türkiye, Spain, the Netherlands, and a journalist from Al Jazeera Mubasher. Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament, was also among those detained.

Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the mission aimed to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver much-needed supplies such as baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women's sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches, and children’s prosthetics. Organizers expressed urgency, noting that since early March, Israel has continued to close all border crossings to humanitarian aid, contributing to the alarming risk of famine among Gaza's 2.4 million residents.

Concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza have grown. The International Criminal Court previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel faces scrutiny at the International Court of Justice regarding allegations of war crimes against civilians in the Gaza Strip.

As the situation develops, the Swedish Foreign Ministry stated it would assess how it can best assist any Swedish nationals in need of consular support.

For updates on this developing story, please stay tuned to reliable news sources.