JERUSALEM: On Sunday (June 8), Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prevent a charity boat from reaching Gaza, which is carrying activists including Greta Thunberg from Sweden, who intend to challenge the Israeli blockade.
The British-flagged yacht Madleen, run by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), departed from Sicily on June 6 and is currently approaching the Egyptian coast, making its way slowly toward the besieged Gaza Strip.
“I have directed the IDF to ensure that the Madleen … does not make it to Gaza,” Katz stated.
Addressing Thunberg and her associates, whom he referred to as promoting antisemitism and Hamas propaganda, Katz warned: “You’d better turn back, as you will not reach Gaza.”
Thunberg, the climate activist, expressed that she joined the crew of the Madleen to “confront Israel’s unlawful siege and escalating war crimes” in Gaza while also emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian support. She has denied past allegations from Israel regarding antisemitism.
Israel engaged in conflict with Hamas in October 2023 after the militant group conducted a surprise attack in southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources.
According to Gaza health authorities, more than 54,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during the continuing Israeli military operations, leaving much of the area in ruins. The UN has warned that a large portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents faces severe food shortages.
Katz stated that the blockade is crucial for Israel’s national security as it aims to dismantle Hamas.
“The State of Israel will not permit anyone to breach the naval blockade of Gaza, which is primarily intended to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas,” he added.
