Israeli Military Ordered to Stop Gaza-Bound Yacht Carrying Greta Thunberg
In a tense escalation, Israel’s Defence Minister has directed the military to prevent a charity yacht carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists from reaching Gaza. The vessel, named Madleen, sailed from Sicily on June 6 and is currently en route off Egypt’s coast, aiming to defy the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza.
The Mission and Political Context
The Madleen, flying a British flag, is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). Its purpose is to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza — a region under tight Israeli siege since the outbreak of conflict this past October.
Greta Thunberg, who is among the 12 people onboard, said she joined the journey to "challenge Israel's illegal siege and escalating war crimes" against Gaza and to bring attention to the urgent humanitarian crisis there. She has rejected previous accusations labeling her efforts as antisemitic.
Israel’s Firm Response
Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned the activists, referring to Thunberg and the others aboard as spreading "Hamas propaganda", and warned that the yacht would not be allowed to enter Gaza waters.
"I instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen does not reach Gaza," Katz declared, emphasizing the blockade's role in preventing weapon transfers to Hamas.
Since a surprise Hamas attack in October 2023 left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken, Israel has maintained a strict blockade and military campaign against Gaza. Gaza health authorities report over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities amid the ongoing assault, with much of the territory devastated and warnings of impending famine for its 2.3 million residents.
Current Status and Possible Interception
As of Sunday, the Madleen was approximately 160 nautical miles (296 kilometers) away from Gaza. The FFC is preparing for potential interception by Israeli forces.
Alongside Thunberg, the crew includes French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan and 10 others committed to delivering a modest cargo of aid — primarily rice and baby formula.
According to Israeli reports, the military intends to stop the yacht before it reaches Gaza, escort it to Ashdod port, and likely deport the activists.
A History of Tension at Sea
This incident echoes back to 2010, when Israeli commandos boarded the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla trying to break Gaza’s blockade. That controversial raid resulted in the deaths of 10 activists and drew international criticism.
With the Madleen heading steadily toward Gaza, tensions are set to rise once more as the international community watches closely.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
