On Sunday, Israel announced its commitment to halt an aid boat, the “Madleen,” which carries prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, from reaching Gaza. As of Sunday evening, the UK-flagged vessel was located north of Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea, slowly making its way towards the Gaza coast. The “Madleen” is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an organization dedicated to challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza and attempting to break the siege via maritime routes.
In an interview with CNN on Saturday, Thunberg acknowledged the inherent dangers associated with the mission. “We know that it’s a very risky mission and we know that previous experiences with flotillas like this have resulted in attacks, violence, and even cases of death,” she stated. However, she emphasized that “none of those risks are even remotely as high as the risk that Palestinians are facing every day just by trying to survive.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel's stance, asserting that the “Madleen,” operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, will not reach the besieged enclave. In a statement, Katz declared, “I have instructed the IDF to ensure that the ‘Madleen’ flotilla does not reach Gaza,” adding a stern warning that the vessel should “turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.”
Despite the threats, Thunberg and the crew of the “Madleen” are determined to continue their mission. Organizer Yasemin Acar informed CNN on Saturday, “We are still on our way to Gaza. There’s no turning back, and we’re hoping to make it into Gaza within two days.” The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has previously attempted to breach the blockade several times.
Following an 11-week blockade that severely limited humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel has recently begun allowing a limited amount of aid to flow back into the region. However, this influx is merely a fraction of what was previously permitted, leading humanitarian organizations to warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis and an increasing risk of widespread famine.
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, took to social media to underscore the significance of the flotilla. “It is not only the aid, it is the HUMANITY THEY CARRY. For all of us,” she stated, highlighting the moral imperative behind the mission.
The crew of the “Madleen,” which has made its location public through an online tracker, is preparing for the potential of interception by the Israeli military. Notable figures aboard include Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, and actor Liam Cunningham, known for his role in “Game of Thrones.”
The coalition issued a statement asserting, “From both a legal and moral standpoint, Israel has no right to intercept this vessel. The people of Gaza, under siege, starving, and facing the threat of annihilation, have the legal right to decide who enters their territories.”
Last month, another vessel from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition encountered what its organizers described as an Israeli drone attack off the coast of Malta in international waters. Although the group did not provide evidence of the drone’s origin, the Israeli military has declined to comment on the alleged incident. The ship, named the “Conscience,” was en route to Malta, where a large group of activists was set to board before continuing their journey to Gaza, over 1,000 miles away.
The coalition informed CNN that Thunberg was among those expected to board the “Conscience” in Malta, highlighting the ongoing commitment of activists to bring attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
