Israeli naval forces intercepted the humanitarian vessel Madleen in international waters late Sunday, redirecting it to Ashdod port north of Gaza by Monday evening. The boat carried 12 activists and supplies intended for the blockaded Palestinian territory, according to eyewitness accounts from an AFP photographer on site.
Organizers claimed the interception occurred approximately 100 nautical miles from Gaza's coast, with Israeli personnel boarding the vessel before escorting it to Ashdod. The Madleen docked at 8:45 PM local time (1745 GMT), though the status of its cargo and passengers remains unclear. This incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding maritime access to Gaza, where Israel maintains strict security controls to prevent unauthorized goods or personnel from entering the coastal enclave.
Humanitarian groups have increasingly turned to sea routes to deliver aid amid tightened land restrictions. Analysts suggest such confrontations risk escalating regional friction while underscoring the challenges of coordinating relief efforts in conflict zones.
