Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that he has instructed the military to prevent the aid vessel Madleen from reaching the Gaza Strip. The ship, which is part of the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is carrying humanitarian supplies and activists, including renowned Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Organizers of the voyage stated that the Madleen was in international waters off the coast of Egypt and expected to approach Gaza later in the day. The mission aims to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to the densely populated territory of 2.3 million people, which has been under a strict blockade since 2007.
“The flotilla is led by a gang of antisemitic and anti-Israel Hamas propagandists, and they will not reach the coast of Gaza,” Katz said in an official statement, directly addressing the activists. “Turn back now.”
He directed the Israeli Navy to intercept the vessel and “take any necessary measures” to stop it, emphasizing that Israel will not permit any violation of the maritime blockade. Katz asserted that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, the group that governs Gaza.
The voyage of the Madleen comes about a month after another coalition vessel, the Conscience, was reportedly damaged by a drone strike in international waters near Malta.
Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel has maintained a strict blockade on the territory. The restrictions have tightened significantly following a deadly Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The ongoing conflict, now in its 21st month, has triggered a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of an imminent famine in Gaza. The UN reports that the entire population is facing extreme food insecurity, with limited access to essential supplies.
The international community is closely watching the situation as tensions escalate. The interception of the aid ship could further heighten the humanitarian crisis and spark international debate over the blockade and the rights of those in Gaza.
