Israel, amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, is preparing to intercept the ship Madleen, which is carrying pro-Palestinian activists and limited aid, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, as well as essential supplies.
Israel's Determination to Block Aid Flotilla with Greta Thunberg on Board
Israel's Determination to Block Aid Flotilla with Greta Thunberg on Board
Israel intensifies naval blockade to prevent ship's arrival in Gaza amid humanitarian crisis.
Israel has declared its intention to stop the Madleen, a vessel sailing from Sicily under the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, from reaching Gaza, emphasizing it will use "any means necessary" to enforce its naval blockade of the area. The ship is currently situated off the coast of Egypt and is said to be only 160 nautical miles away from Gaza. Among its fifteen passengers are Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a European Parliament member.
The blockade, active since Hamas gained control over Gaza in 2007, is supported by Egypt and is justified by Israel as a necessary measure to prevent arms smuggling to the militant group. Since the outbreak of war following the tragic Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, conditions in Gaza have severely deteriorated, exacerbated by an 80-day suspension of humanitarian aid, which humanitarian organizations warn has led the territory close to famine.
The Madleen has been said to carry symbolic supplies, comprising baby formula, flour, medical supplies, diapers, rice, and children's prosthetics, which the coalition claims are urgently needed in the besieged region. Despite the small volume of aid, the coalition maintains that its mission is critical in raising awareness of Gaza's dire conditions.
The blockade, active since Hamas gained control over Gaza in 2007, is supported by Egypt and is justified by Israel as a necessary measure to prevent arms smuggling to the militant group. Since the outbreak of war following the tragic Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, conditions in Gaza have severely deteriorated, exacerbated by an 80-day suspension of humanitarian aid, which humanitarian organizations warn has led the territory close to famine.
The Madleen has been said to carry symbolic supplies, comprising baby formula, flour, medical supplies, diapers, rice, and children's prosthetics, which the coalition claims are urgently needed in the besieged region. Despite the small volume of aid, the coalition maintains that its mission is critical in raising awareness of Gaza's dire conditions.
