Israel has declared its intention to prevent an aid boat, the Madleen, carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and others, from reaching Gaza. By Sunday evening, the UK-registered vessel was located north of Egypt in the Mediterranean and was gradually moving toward Gaza’s coastline. Operating under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen aims to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and has previously attempted to deliver aid to the region.
Thunberg acknowledged the risks involved in this mission, highlighting that past flotilla attempts have faced violence and even fatalities. However, she stressed that these threats pale in comparison to the daily dangers faced by Palestinians trying to survive.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, reinforced the government’s stance, asserting that the Madleen would not be allowed to reach Gaza. He warned those on board to consider returning, stating, “you will not reach Gaza.” Despite this, the activists, led by Yasemin Acar, remain undeterred, with plans to arrive in Gaza within two days.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which supports efforts to end the blockade, has made several attempts to deliver aid in the past. Following an extensive 11-week blockade that severely restricted humanitarian supplies entering Gaza, Israel has begun allowing limited assistance to flow in once more. Yet, humanitarian groups have highlighted that this aid is far below what was available before the ongoing conflict, indicating a deteriorating humanitarian crisis and the looming threat of famine.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasised that the flotilla carries not just supplies, but also an important message of humanity. The crew members have publicly shared the ship’s location via an online tracker and are preparing for potential Israeli military interception.
Joining the crew alongside Thunberg is Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament, and Liam Cunningham, known for his role in Game of Thrones. The activists assert that from both legal and moral perspectives, Israel has no right to halt their journey and that the people of Gaza should determine who enters their territory.
Last month, another vessel from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition faced an incident that its organisers described as an Israeli drone attack while in international waters near Malta; however, Israel has not commented on the allegations. This vessel, named Conscience, was en route to Malta to gather more activists before proceeding to Gaza.
In a statement, the coalition reiterated its commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlighted the necessity for global support in their mission.