Breaking the Israeli blockade was the goal of the MADLEEN sailboat crew, whose journey was cut short off the coast of the Gaza Strip. The 12 pro-Palestinian activists on board, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and MEP Rima Hassan of the left-wing France Insoumise party, were delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. During the night of June 8 to 9, Israeli naval commandos intercepted the vessel about 31 nautical miles from the Palestinian enclave, redirecting it to the port of Ashdod in southern Israel.

During the day, while the 12 activists – six of whom are French – were handed over to Israeli police, the French embassy requested consular access to visit them to ensure their well-being and prepare for their prompt return to France. This marked the second time Hassan had been expelled from Israel: On February 25, she was denied entry upon arrival at Ben-Gurion Airport.

While the humanitarian mission failed, the activists' communications campaign proved successful. This was especially true for Hassan, who had been at the forefront of the media battle since the boat departed Italy eight days earlier. At regular intervals, she provided updates on the expedition's progress while warning of alleged threats facing the vessel and its crew. This dramatic narrative received wide attention on social media and was supported by the entire La France Insoumise movement from the first days of the MADLEEN's journey toward Gaza.

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