An earlier attempt by the Freedom Flotilla to sail to Gaza on another aid boat, the Conscience, ended on May 2 when Israeli drones bombed the boat after it left port in Malta. The activists aboard were evacuated unharmed, but the 12-person crew was left stranded at sea on the disabled boat for two more weeks before reaching safety.

The Madleen ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), is en route to Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid and human rights activists protesting against Israel’s illegal blockade of the Strip.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported on Monday that the Israeli military intercepted and boarded its Gaza-bound vessel, the Madleen.

The signatories urged Israel to lift all barriers to unimpeded aid delivery, in line with international humanitarian law, and reiterated demands for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a credible path toward a two-state solution.

Israel has deported Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, a day after seizing the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship on which she was sailing alongside 11 others. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thunberg flew out of Tel Aviv early on Tuesday, bound for Sweden via France, and released her photos on the flight.

After the Madleen was intercepted by Israeli forces, Tánaiste Simon Harris reiterated Ireland's call for an end to the blockade on Gaza.

“Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority, in accordance with Israeli law, to authorize their deportation. Consuls from the passengers’ home countries met them at the airport,” the ministry said in a statement on X.

Israeli forces have seized a Gaza-bound aid boat and detained Greta Thunberg and other activists who were on board.