Israel Threatens Action Against Gaza-Bound Aid Ship

Climate Activist **Greta Thunberg** Joins Pro-Palestinian Flotilla

A vessel carrying humanitarian aid and activists, including prominent climate advocate **Greta Thunberg**, is challenging Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, prompting a stern warning from Israeli officials who vow to prevent its arrival. The situation raises concerns about potential clashes at sea.

Confrontation Looms

The yacht, named Madleen, is currently 160 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip, according to reports. Israel’s Defence Minister **Israel Katz** has asserted that the country’s military will take whatever measures are necessary to intercept the ship and prevent it from reaching the Palestinian territory. He urged the 12-person crew to reverse course.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) maintains that the vessel departed Sicily on Friday with a shipment of aid, including rice and baby formula, and is prepared for a possible Israeli intervention. The group contends that Israel’s blockade is unlawful and an infringement on civilian rights.

I have instructed the IDF to act to prevent the ‘Madeleine’ hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza – and to take whatever measures are necessary to that end. 🗣️

To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza. 🇮🇱

— Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 26, 2024

“We will not be intimidated. The world is watching. The Madleen is a civilian vessel, unarmed and sailing in international waters, carrying humanitarian aid and human rights defenders from across the globe… Israel has no right to obstruct our effort to reach Gaza.”

—Hay Sha Wiya, FFC press officer

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, approximately 2.3 million people in Gaza – over 80% of the population – are internally displaced as of May 29, 2024. Source: UN OCHA

Historical Precedent and Current Restrictions

This incident echoes a 2010 confrontation when Israeli commandos killed 10 activists aboard the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish ship also attempting to break the blockade. **Katz** has defended the blockade as vital for preventing weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, and ensuring Israel’s security.

Israel recently eased some restrictions on aid entering Gaza, but largely controls its distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a system criticized by many aid organizations. The UN’s human rights chief, **Volker Türk**, recently highlighted the dire situation, stating that Palestinians face the grimmest of choices: die from starvation or risk being killed while trying to access the meagre food that is being made available.

The current conflict began nearly 20 months ago following a Hamas-led attack on Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports at least 54,880 fatalities.

Israeli media anticipate the navy will intercept the Madleen before it approaches Gaza, with one official stating that the crew will be calmly taken into custody and deported.