Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday that the military has been ordered to prevent the humanitarian aid vessel Madleen from reaching the Gaza Strip. The ship, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is carrying supplies and activists, including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, and is currently navigating international waters near Egypt.
Katz accused the coalition of being "antisemitic and anti-Israel Hamas propagandists" and warned activists to "turn back now." The Israeli Navy has been directed to intercept the vessel using "any necessary measures," citing the need to enforce a maritime blockade imposed in 2007 to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. The blockade has intensified since Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, now entering its 21st month.
This latest voyage follows reports of a drone strike damaging another coalition ship, Conscience, near Malta last month. The UN warns that Gaza’s 2.3 million residents face "extreme food insecurity," with famine risks escalating amid prolonged conflict and restricted aid access.
Humanitarian groups continue to call for urgent intervention as Gaza’s crisis deepens, while Israel maintains its security protocols. The standoff highlights the complex balance between regional security concerns and global calls for civilian relief.
