The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have prevented the Minister of Defense from achieving a controversial measure: forcing Greta Thunberg and other Pro-Palestinian activists detained to watch a movie with graphic images of Hamas attacks. On board the Madleen, the activists sailed towards Gaza when they were intercepted by the Israeli Navy
It was an iron arm within the Israeli government – and won diplomacy. According to Israeli television station Channel 12, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa’ar, fought an initiative by Defense Minister Israel Katz, who intended to force Greta Thunberg and 11 other international activists watching a 43 -minute movie with images of October 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded southern Israel, killing about 1.200 and 251 hostages.
The activists were part of Madleen’s crew, a vessel that was trying to pierce the maritime blockade with declared humanitarian intentions, but was intercepted off (in international and non -Israelite water) by Israel’s naval forces. On board followed several European citizens, including the well -known Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The group was arrested upon arriving at Ashdod’s Israelite port.
Israel Katz justified the measure as a way of confronting the group with “the reality Israel faced” on October 7-accusing them of unaware of or ignoring the massacre that motivated the current military offensive in Gaza. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered that the action, besides being forced, could generate a diplomatic incident with European (and not only) countries and compromise the previously considered effective management of Madleen’s interception.
The film concerned, produced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, includes unlawful images captured by attackers themselves-showing executions, mutilations, and horror moments lived by Israelites civilians.
Still, the activists were led to a room, where the video began to be played. Before the images unfolded, they were asked if they wanted to watch. Everyone refused. The projection was then immediately interrupted, indicates the same channel.
After a few days of detention and interrogations, most activists were repatriated for their home countries, including Sweden, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. The Israeli authorities did not advance with formal accusations, but maintained their firmness in defending the ship’s interception, arguing that any attempt to break the blockade to Gaza, even with humanitarian pretexts, “favors the interests of Hamas.”
