Israel Orders Blockade of Gaza Aid Ship Carrying **Greta Thunberg**
Climate Activist Joins Flotilla Challenging Israeli Restrictions
Israeli authorities have moved to intercept a British-flagged vessel carrying humanitarian aid and prominent climate activist **Greta Thunberg**, aiming to prevent it from reaching the blockaded Gaza Strip. The incident escalates tensions amid ongoing conflict and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Confrontation Looms at Sea
Israeli Defense Minister **Israel Katz** directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to halt the Madleen yacht, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which departed Sicily on June 6th. The ship is currently approximately 160 nautical miles from Gaza, according to FFC press officer **Hay Sha Wiya**, and preparing for a possible interception.
“I instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen … does not reach Gaza,”
—Israel Katz, Israeli Defence Minister
**Thunberg** joined the crew to protest what she describes as Israel’s “illegal siege and escalating war crimes” in Gaza, advocating for increased humanitarian assistance. She has previously refuted accusations of antisemitism.
The FFC states the Madleen carries a limited amount of aid, including essential supplies like rice and baby formula. This action occurs as the United Nations reports that approximately 80% of Gaza’s population is experiencing food insecurity, a significant increase since the start of the conflict. UN News
Years of Blockade and Past Clashes
Israel maintains the naval blockade of Gaza, asserting it is vital for national security and preventing weapons from reaching Hamas. This policy has been in place since 2007, severely restricting the movement of people and goods. The current conflict began in October 2023 following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken.
Gaza health authorities report more than 54,000 Palestinian deaths during the subsequent Israeli military operations, with vast areas of the territory reduced to rubble. The UN has repeatedly warned of impending famine for the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
“To the antisemitic **Greta** and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends, I say clearly: You’d better turn back, because you will not reach Gaza.”
—Israel Katz, Israeli Defence Minister
Israeli media outlets report the military intends to intercept the yacht before it reaches Gaza and transport the crew to the port of Ashdod for deportation. This mirrors a 2010 incident where Israeli commandos killed 10 people during a raid on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, which was also part of a Gaza-bound flotilla.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as the Madleen approaches the Gazan coastline.
