Israel Criticizes Greta Thunberg's Gaza Mission as a Publicity Stunt
Israel's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a yacht headed toward Gaza carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, dismissing the humanitarian mission as nothing more than a media stunt. The yacht, named Madleen, set sail from Sicily on June 1 with the aim of breaking the naval blockade imposed on Gaza’s coastline and delivering symbolic humanitarian aid. However, Israeli officials declared the voyage illegal and provocative, asserting the region’s maritime zone is officially blockaded for security reasons.
Official Stance on the Naval Blockade
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the naval blockade off Gaza is legally enforced in accordance with international law. Unauthorized vessels attempting to breach this blockade are not permitted access. The ministry emphasized that the yacht's claim of delivering humanitarian aid is misleading, labeling it a “selfie yacht” carrying less than a single truckload of supplies, primarily aimed at garnering media attention rather than providing substantial assistance.
Activists on Board and Mission Objectives
The Madleen hosts 11 activists, including Greta Thunberg and Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament with Palestinian roots who has been denied entry into Israel. The group is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which seeks to spotlight the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza through this high-profile voyage.
Israeli Military Response and Intervention
Israel claimed active communication with the yacht and instructed it to alter its course away from Gaza. A video posted on the vessel’s official Telegram channel shows activists gearing up with life jackets in anticipation of an interception. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to take all necessary steps to prevent the ship from landing in Gaza, describing the flotilla as fueled by animosity. Katz explicitly warned the activists, stating, “You’d better turn back — because you will not reach Gaza.”
Greta Thunberg’s Motivations Amid Tensions
Before embarking, Thunberg expressed unwavering resolve, saying, “We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying. Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.”
Israel Highlights Official Aid Channels While Critics Raise Concerns
The Israeli government insists that humanitarian aid is flowing into Gaza through authorized routes. Over the past two weeks alone, more than 1,200 aid trucks have reportedly entered Gaza via Israel, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distributing nearly 11 million meals directly to civilians.
However, critics argue that the official aid system is insufficient and flawed. Since May 27, over 110 Palestinians have died attempting to access food, with thousands more injured, reflecting a deeper crisis beyond the reach of authorized aid deliveries.
