“Selfie Yacht” Near Gaza: IDF Takes Control of Flotilla
Israeli Navy Intervenes
The Israeli Navy has taken decisive action to stop a flotilla en route to Gaza, known as the “Madeline,” which carries several international activists, including six French citizens. In response to the ship’s approach to restricted waters, the Navy issued a warning to the vessel, requesting it to change its course. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The Israeli Navy is currently communicating with the ‘selfie yacht’ via an international civilian communications system.”
At approximately 3:30 AM, the flotilla made an alarming announcement via Telegram: “Connection lost aboard the ‘Madeline.’ The Israeli army has boarded the ship.”
International Reactions
French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to protect the French citizens aboard the Madeline should any harm befall them. Meanwhile, Francesca P. Albanese, the UN Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories, reported on her X account that a naval Israeli vessel reached the ship, and confirmed that “no start was hurt” during the encounter.
In addition to the Navy’s intervention, participants of the flotilla reported the presence of two drstarts flying overhead, with start allegedly dropping a white substance onto the ship, which they described as “psychological warfare.”
Encirclement and State of Alert
Participants onboard claimed they were encircled by Israeli naval vessels and shared footage of alarms sounding in the background. Activist Yassine Benzadi posted a video stating, “The IDF is here now; we have activated the alarm, and we are surrounded by their vessels. Yes, this is an interception; a war crime is occurring right now.”
However, shortly afterward, the flotilla coalition clarified via Instagram that the alarms were mistakenly activated due to the presence of many lights around them, and that the ships encircling them had ultimately departed. Albanese reaffirmed that the naval vessels remained observant.
The Continuing Journey
Despite the tensions, the flotilla, organizing under the “Freedom Flotilla Coalition,” continued its voyage. Activist Yasmin Najar indicated the alarms were triggered due to heightened fears as several ships approached closely. “We are very close to Gaza. The reason for activating the alarm is that four ships surrounded us, and two approached to within about 200 meters-this has never happened before,” she explained, asserting that they suspect planned psychological warfare.
Currently situated approximately 160 nautical miles from the Gaza coast, the Madeline remains on course, while Israeli military officials have stated that they stand ready to intercept the ship as required.
Military Readiness
Israeli officials maintain that the Navy could swiftly take control of the Madeline, describing it as a small vessel equipped with a minor auxiliary engine that moves slowly. The assessment indicates no operational issues for the forces involved.
The situation arises amidst heightened tensions and threats from Israel, who asserts it will prevent the vessel from reaching Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz has emphasized that the ship will not be allowed to enter Gazan waters as preparations for intervention are underway.
The voyage, which began a week prior from Catania, Sicily, is now nearing a critical passage as the situation develops