09/06/2025
The sailing boat Madleen (*Barcarole), carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists, was seized by the Israeli navy while attempting to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza. Intercepted in international waters, it was taken to Ashdod. The activists are safe, but Israel accuses them of spreading propaganda. The operation has sparked international protests.
Although widely referred to as a “ship” in media reports, Madleen is technically a sailing boat — not a ship — measuring approximately 18 meters in length. Under maritime definitions, it qualifies as a pleasure craft or yacht.
*The boat’s original name is Barcarole; it was renamed Madleen for this mission