Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to intercept the British-flagged Madleen yacht, which is carrying activists, including Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, and aiming to defy an Israeli blockade to reach Gaza.
The yacht, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), departed Sicily on June 6 and is currently off the Egyptian coast, heading towards the besieged Gaza Strip.
Katz warned Thunberg and her companions to “turn back,” asserting they would not reach Gaza and accusing her of “antisemitic” and “Hamas-propaganda-spouting” views.
Thunberg stated her participation aimed to “challenge Israel’s illegal siege and escalating war crimes” in Gaza and highlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid, having previously rejected antisemitism accusations.
The conflict began in October 2023 after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel.
Over 54,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing Israeli assault, with widespread destruction and famine risk.
Katz maintained the blockade is vital for Israel’s national security to eliminate Hamas and prevent weapon transfers.
The Madleen carries symbolic aid, including rice and baby formula.
The FFC is preparing for interception, with the boat approximately 160 nautical miles from Gaza.
The crew includes 11 others, such as French MEP Rima Hassan.
Israeli media report military plans to intercept the yacht and deport the crew.
A 2010 incident involving the Mavi Marmara, another Gaza-bound flotilla ship, resulted in 10 deaths when Israeli commandos boarded it.
