An aid vessel organized by a coalition of activists, including Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces on Sunday as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Madleen ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, embarked on its mission on June 1 with a team of 12 activists onboard, including Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had ordered the crew to halt their mission earlier in the day, labeling the group as “antisemitic” and warning them to turn back. Despite the warnings, the ship continued on its course, only to be boarded by Israeli forces, who confiscated the aid supplies, including baby formula, food, and medical supplies.
Thunberg, who has been critical of Israel’s actions in the Israel-Hamas conflict, has been banned from entering the country. The crew of the Madleen was warned by the Israeli Navy to turn back before being intercepted.
The group’s mission was to provide much-needed humanitarian aid to the refugees in Gaza, who have been suffering from food shortages due to the ongoing blockades. The UN has warned of a looming famine in Gaza if aid is not delivered promptly.
This is not the first time that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has faced opposition from Israeli forces. In a previous incident in May, a separate aid ship was attacked by drones off the coast of Malta. The coalition blamed the Israeli government for the attack, although Israel did not comment on the incident.
In a tragic incident in 2010, an aid ship was stopped and boarded by Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of nine activists and injuries to many others. The IDF claimed that the troops acted in self-defense after being attacked by the activists.
The interception of the Madleen ship once again highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the challenges faced by those attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Despite the obstacles, the activists remain committed to their mission of providing much-needed assistance to the refugees in Gaza.
