A harrowing video shows Greta Thunberg begging for help as she said she and other activists ‘have been intercepted and kidnapped’ in international waters.

The Swedish activist joined 11 others on the Madleen, a British-flagged boat operated by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), in a bid to provide the Palestinians with ‘symbolic’ humanitarian aid and raise international awareness of the crisis there.

Yet communication was lost when the vessel was intercepted by Israeli commandos in the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed authorities took the boat to the pod of Ashdod, a city in the south of the country.

Branding the vessel a ‘selfie yacht,’ it stated: “It is a media gimmick for publicity (which includes less than a single truckload of aid) – a ‘selfie yacht.’”

Greta Thunberg joined 12 other activists on the Madleen, a boat operated by Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Thunberg said she and her friends needed urgent help.

“My name is Greta Thunberg, and I am from Sweden. If you see this video, we are being intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel,” the 22-year-old said.

“I urge all my friends, family, and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”

It’s believed the video was recorded before the events, in preparation for such hostilities.

The FFC also shared an image of people in life jackets, sitting with their hands up.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition shared the above image. Credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition
The ministry wrote on X: “The ‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities‘ is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.”

All passengers were safe and unharmed.

Later, it added: “They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over.”

A photo was also distributed of Thunberg in a green hat and orange life vest, smiling as a soldier held out a sandwich, per Reuters.

The vessel is said to have carried humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula. The Foreign Ministry said the ‘tiny amount of aid’ would be taken to Gaza.
Greta Thunberg is in a pre-recorded video, stating that she and her friends need help. Credit: Freedom Flotilla Coalition
Israel says its blockage on Gaza is necessary as it prevents weapons from reaching Hamas fighters.

The FFC argues the blockage is illegal, with its press officer, Hay Sha Wiya, stating (via the BBC): “We will not be intimidated. The world is watching.

“The Madleen is a civilian vessel, unarmed and sailing in international waters, carrying humanitarian aid and human rights defenders from across the globe… Israel has no right to obstruct our effort to reach Gaza.”