Israeli forces intercepted the charity vessel Madleen, which was attempting to defy the naval blockade on Gaza, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The British-flagged yacht, operated by the pro-Palestinian group, departed from Sicily on June 6 and aimed to reach Gaza later that day. Aboard were notable figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.
Prior to the interception, the Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing the Navy urging Madleen to alter its course. They emphasized that the maritime area off Gaza is closed and suggested that humanitarian aid could be sent via the Israeli port of Ashdod. The Madleen, carrying a 12-person crew, was loaded with symbolic humanitarian supplies like rice and baby formula.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously ordered precautionary measures to stop the Madleen from reaching its destination, labeling the mission as propaganda supporting Hamas. Israel has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized control in 2007, a measure that has continued through various conflicts. The ongoing war, ignited by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in extensive casualties, with over 54,000 Palestinians reported dead since Israel’s military campaign began. The United Nations has raised alarms over the dire humanitarian situation, indicating that most of Gaza’s population of over two million may be facing famine.
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