Israel has issued a stern warning, stating its military will employ “whatever measures are necessary” to prevent a vessel carrying pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.
The Madleen yacht, currently 160 nautical miles from the Gaza Strip, is directly challenging Israel’s naval blockade of the territory.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the 12-person crew, which notably includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, should immediately return. He emphasized that Israel will forcefully counter any attempt to breach the blockade.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) stated that the vessel, which departed Sicily on Friday, is carrying humanitarian aid and is “prepared for the possibility of an Israeli attack”.
Minister Katz asserted that the blockade aims to “prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas,” deeming it crucial for Israel’s security in its efforts to counter the Palestinian armed group.
In a Sunday X post, he warned: “I have instructed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to act to prevent the ‘Madeleine’ [sic] flotilla from reaching Gaza—and to take whatever measures are necessary.”
Addressing the crew directly, he added: “To Greta and her fellow activists, I say clearly: You should turn back—because you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations—at sea, in the air, and on land.”
The FFC characterized the minister’s statement as a threat of unlawful force against civilians, further criticizing Israel’s attempt to justify potential violence with disparaging remarks.
“We will not be intimidated. The world is watching,” declared FFC press officer Hay Sha Wiya.
“The Madleen is a civilian vessel, unarmed and sailing in international waters, carrying humanitarian aid and human rights defenders… Israel has no right to obstruct our effort to reach Gaza.”
The group also reported experiencing temporary signal jamming, causing its location to be misrepresented near Jordan.
The Madleen is carrying a symbolic amount of aid, including rice and baby formula. The crew comprises individuals from Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey.
Israeli media anticipate the navy will intercept the boat before it reaches Gaza. An Israeli official told the Jerusalem Post, “We will calmly take control of the ship, bring them to Israel, and deport them abroad that same night.”
In 2010, Israeli commandos killed 10 people aboard the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara during a similar aid flotilla incident.
This event comes nearly 20 months after Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to a Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties and hostage taking.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 54,880 deaths in the territory since the conflict began.
Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day. Sign up here.
The Israeli military says Mohammed Sinwar’s body was discovered in a tunnel at a hospital.
Distinguished lawyers, senior humanitarians and diplomats tell Jeremy Bowen why they are increasingly concerned about the catastrophe inside Gaza.
The video sparked a backlash with critics accusing her of appearing to “mock” the 7 October 2023 attack.
Israel’s military says it was targeting an underground drone factory of armed group Hezbollah.
At least one Palestinian was killed and 30 others injured in the Israeli strike on tents in Khan Younis on Sunday, medics say.