Israel Pledges to Prevent Greta Thunberg’s Aid Boat from Arriving in Gaza

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated his intention to prevent the aid vessel Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists, from reaching Gaza using “any means necessary.” The Madleen set sail from Sicily last Sunday with the goal of breaching Israel’s naval blockade to deliver humanitarian aid and raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. A live tracker indicated that the ship was located near Rosetta, Egypt, approximately 160 nautical miles from Gaza on Sunday morning.

Katz has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to stop what he described as the “Madelaine hate flotilla” from reaching Gaza’s shores. In a message on Telegram directed at Thunberg and her fellow activists, he warned them to turn back as they would not reach their destination.

He emphasized that Israel would act against any attempts to break the blockade or aid terrorist organizations. Onboard, Madleen’s press officer, Hay Sha Wiya, mentioned that the crew was preparing for a possible interception by the Israeli forces.

They also reported that the boat’s signal had been jammed, leading to false projections of its location in Jordan. The vessel hosts several prominent figures, including Brazilian activist Thiago Avila and French MEP Rima Hassan, along with a doctor prepared to assist any injured passengers.

Thunberg expressed the importance of this mission, stating that the struggle against overwhelming odds is crucial to preserving humanity. Amidst these efforts, Israel has denied accusations of genocide and noted that it has begun allowing basic aid into Gaza after nearly three months of blockade, although ongoing controversies regarding aid distribution have emerged.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with experts warning of potential famine if substantial aid is not provided. This conflict has escalated dramatically since the October 7 terror attacks, fueling continuous violence and loss of life in the region.