"Mysterious White Substance": How the World Covered Israel's Seizure of Greta's Gaza Flotilla 

Leading global news sites covered the IDF’s takeover of the British-flagged Madleen, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which aimed to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis there. The operation also involved the detention of climate and Gaza activist Greta Thunberg, among the 12 crew members.

Reuters reported, “Israeli forces seized an aid ship bound for Gaza with Greta Thunberg on board, according to government officials.” The brief article noted that Israeli forces intercepted the charity ship attempting to break the naval blockade on Gaza, and it is now being towed to an Israeli port.

The Guardian focused on criticism from the FFC, which accused Israel of a “forceful interception” and acting “with complete impunity.” The FFC stated the ship was “unlawfully hijacked, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its lifesaving cargo—including baby formula, food, and medical supplies—confiscated.” Organizer Huwaida Arraf was quoted saying, “Israel has no legal authority to detain international volunteers on the Madeline,” calling their detention “arbitrary, illegal, and must end immediately.” The article noted Israel’s commitment to transferring the aid to Gaza.

In France, where half the crew are citizens, media highlighted comments by Rima Hassan, a European Parliament member on board. In a dramatic video, Hassan said, “If you’re seeing this, it means we’ve been detained by Israel or its partners.” BFMTV reported, “On its way to Gaza, the humanitarian boat carrying Rima Hassan and Greta Thunberg was intercepted by the Israeli army.” French far-left figure Jean-Luc Mélenchon condemned the action and called for protests across France.

The Times noted the “sandwich gesture” by IDF’s Shayetet 13 naval commandos, who offered food and water to the crew. A video released by Israel’s Foreign Ministry showed crew members in life vests receiving supplies. The headline read, “Israel intercepts aid ship bound for Gaza with Greta Thunberg on board.”

CNN highlighted a “mysterious white substance” allegedly dropped by Israeli drones. The FFC reported, “Drones are circling the ship, spraying it with a paint-like white substance. Communications are jammed, and disturbing sounds are heard on the radio.” Activist Yasmin Akar was shown in a livestream displaying the substance on the deck, claiming it affected her eyes. Israel’s Foreign Ministry video included a naval officer warning the ship that the maritime area off Gaza is closed.

A widely shared image of the crew raising their hands as IDF forces boarded became a focal point in global coverage. Despite the presence of high-profile figures like Rima Hassan, which risked escalating tensions with France and the EU, the operation concluded without violence. The IDF’s “humanitarian gesture” of providing food and water helped mitigate negative public opinion, already critical of Israel. From Israel’s perspective, the event ended relatively peacefully, avoiding a major diplomatic fallout.