Israel바카라s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Sunday that the Israeli government will prevent the vessel Madleen바카라carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others바카라from breaching its naval blockade of Gaza.
바카라To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propagandists 바카라 I will say this clearly: You should turn back, because you will not make it to Gaza,바카라 Gallant said. According to Washington Post, he added that the blockade aims to stop weapons from reaching Hamas.
The Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily last week. It is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and highlight the humanitarian situation in the territory, now in its 20th month of conflict since the Israel-Hamas war began.
Onboard are 12 activists, including French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, who has been previously barred from entering Israel over her stance on Israeli policies. Brazilian activist Thiago Ăvila, also aboard, said in a video on Sunday that their communication and navigation systems were being jammed about 160 nautical miles from Gaza.
The blockade of Gaza, enforced by Israel and Egypt since 2007 following Hamas바카라s takeover of the territory, has faced criticism internationally. It was tightened into a full siege after Hamas-led militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Some aid has been allowed in since April following pressure from international actors.
This marks another attempt by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to reach Gaza by sea. A similar effort last month was halted when a separate vessel was damaged by drone strikes in international waters near Malta. The group attributed the attack to Israel.
Humanitarian organisations have warned of an increasing risk of famine in Gaza and continue to call for expanded aid access.
According to Associated Press, Greta Thunberg바카라s participation in the current mission has brought international attention to the flotilla바카라s efforts.
The boat바카라s approach toward Gaza바카라s territorial waters presents a complex situation amid ongoing conflict and restricted access to the region
