Wed Jun 11 15:20:12 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**French Doctor Alleges Mistreatment of Gaza Aid Boat Passengers by Israeli Authorities**
**Paris, France** – A French doctor, Baptiste André, who was aboard the “Madleen,” a humanitarian aid boat intercepted by Israeli forces en route to Gaza, has alleged abusive treatment of passengers, including climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The “Madleen,” organized by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed Italy on June 1st with 12 passengers intending to deliver aid to Gaza. The vessel was intercepted approximately 200 kilometers from the Gaza coast by Israeli naval forces.
Upon his return to France, Dr. André described instances of deliberate sleep deprivation, claiming Israeli agents would play loud music and dance whenever passengers fell asleep. He also reported limited access to food and water for the detainees. “I don’t have the legal qualifications to specify what happened, but there were acts of mistreatment,” André told reporters.
Greta Thunberg, 22, one of the passengers on board, accused Israel of “kidnapping us in international waters and taking us against our will to Israel.” Upon her arrival in Paris after being deported, she condemned the incident as “yet another intentional violation of rights that is added to the list of countless other violations that Israel is committing.” Thunberg emphasized that the voyage was a peaceful protest against Israel’s blockade of Gaza amidst a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
While four passengers, including Thunberg, agreed to sign deportation papers, the remaining eight are currently in Israeli custody awaiting a court hearing.
The Israeli government has dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, labeling the boat a “selfie yacht” and claiming it breached Israel’s naval blockade.
First Piper 