Tel Aviv: Israel's Defence Minister has issued a firm warning against an aid vessel attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza, saying the military will use “any means necessary” to prevent its arrival. Among the dozen international activists aboard the ship is 22-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The boat, named Madleen, departed from Sicily last Sunday under the banner of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aiming to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The activists hope to enter Gaza's territorial waters by Sunday despite repeated warnings from Israeli officials.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to block the ship's approach. Referring to Thunberg and her fellow passengers, Gallant wrote: “To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.”
Gallant accused the activists of supporting Hamas by attempting to breach the blockade, adding that Israel would respond to any such attempts “by sea, air, or land.”
French MEP Rima Hassan, of Palestinian heritage and a vocal critic of Israeli policy, is also on board. Hassan has previously been denied entry into Israel.
Israel began easing its months-long blockade last month, allowing limited aid into Gaza. The siege, imposed in response to Hamas's deadly 7 October 2023 assault on southern Israel, has led to worsening humanitarian conditions. Aid agencies warn that Gaza faces a growing risk of famine unless the blockade and ongoing war are brought to an end.
This voyage follows a failed attempt by the same coalition last month, when another aid ship was reportedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta. The group accused Israel of carrying out the attack, which left the vessel damaged.
Despite mounting international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israeli officials remain adamant that any efforts seen as undermining national security or aiding Hamas will be met with force.
