GB News presenter Alex Armstrong has let rip against Greta Thunberg and her crewmates onboard the so-called "Freedom Flotilla" after the ship was intercepted by Israeli forces during its journey to Gaza.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, they were boarded by Israeli forces in international waters, with the organisation reporting that communication with the British-flagged yacht Madleen was lost after Israeli military personnel boarded the vessel early Monday local time.
The FFC posted a photograph on Telegram showing crew members sitting inside the boat wearing lifejackets with their hands raised.
The coalition stated the ship had come "under assault in international waters" before the boarding occurred. Israeli naval forces had surrounded the vessel overnight, with the FFC later confirming the boat had been boarded before reaching Gaza's shore.
Greta Thunberg, seen sitting on the bow of the British-flagged yacht Madleen REUTERSThe Madleen was attempting to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid, including baby formula and rice, to highlight Gaza's ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had declared on Sunday: "I have instructed the IDF to ensure that the 'Madleen' flotilla does not reach Gaza."
Thunberg accused Israel of "kidnapping" her and 11 others aboard the vessel. In a pre-recorded video posted on X, she stated: "We have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel."
The Swedish activist urged supporters to pressure her government for their release, saying: "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."
Greta Thunberg and her fellow activists were attempting to take aid into Gaza
GETTY
Other notable figures aboard the Madleen included Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and French MEP Rima Hassan.
Members of the FFC were offered sandwiches and water by members of the Israeli forces as they made their way to shore.
The Saturday Five star Armstrong was just one public figure to openly criticise the attempt by Thunberg and co to make their way to Gaza.
"Greta Thunberg’s 'aid flotilla' had less than one truckload of food," the GB News fan-favourite began. "They tried to make it all about themselves, making videos and trying to create drama, with Greta continuing her usual grift to stay relevant after ditching her climate change agenda.
"Vacuous group of people," he brutally signed off.
And he wasn't alone in his criticism as another GB News regular, Benjamin Butterworth, similarly fumed at the Swedish activist: "It is utterly sick that Greta Thunberg is cosplaying at being 'kidnapped' while real kidnap victims are terrorised and trapped by Hamas terrorists just miles from her yacht.
"You were not kidnapped, Greta. You were arrested for illegally entering a country’s waters and deported.
"I trust everyone feigning horror at Greta’s 'kidnapping' has posted for the last 612 days about the innocent men, women and children kidnapped, terrorised and tortured by Hamas, and who have no option to post videos or ride yachts in the Mediterranean," he added."
Greta Thunberg and her fellow activists set sail earlier this month
GETTY
Speaking to CNN on Saturday before the interception, Thunberg acknowledged the risks, stating: "We know that it's a very risky mission and we know that previous experiences with flotillas like this have resulted in attacks, violence and even cases of death."
Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed the vessel was diverted to Ashdod port in southern Israel. In a post on X, the ministry stated the boat "is safely making its way to the shores of Israel" and that passengers "are expected to return to their home countries."
The ministry dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, referring to it as a "selfie yacht" and stating: "There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip - they do not involve Instagram selfies."
In a subsequent update, Israeli authorities confirmed: "All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed.
Alex Armstrong ripped into Greta Thunberg's "aid flotilla"
X
"They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over."
The ministry had earlier warned that "unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts."
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