Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other volunteers early Monday, redirecting the vessel to Israel. The move upheld Israel’s tightened blockade of the Palestinian territory amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Foreign Ministry later shared footage showing military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to activists in orange life vests.
- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had organized the voyage to deliver humanitarian aid and protest Israel’s wartime conduct and blockade.
- Activists on the Madleen, including Thunberg, were “kidnapped by Israeli forces,” the coalition said, releasing pre-recorded messages from the passengers.
- Israel confirmed the humanitarian aid would still reach Gaza through established channels.
The Madleen set sail from Sicily a week ago with 12 activists aboard. En route, the crew rescued four migrants who leapt into the sea to evade the Libyan coast guard. Among the volunteers was Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Palestinian descent barred from entering Israel due to her stance on Israeli policies.
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Two-and-a-half-month Total Blockade
After a two-and-a-half-month total blockade intended to pressure Hamas, Israel began allowing basic aid into Gaza last month. Yet humanitarian workers warn of famine unless the blockade is lifted and the military offensive ends. Last month’s attempt by the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza failed when one of its vessels was struck by drones off Malta—an attack the group blamed on Israel.
Israel and Egypt have maintained varying levels of blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized power in 2007. Critics argue this amounts to collective punishment of Gaza’s roughly two million residents. Following Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 and led to 251 hostages, Israel sealed off Gaza completely before partially resuming aid under U.S. pressure. In early March, Israel again blocked all imports shortly before ending a ceasefire with Hamas.
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The war has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and displaced about 90% of the population, leaving most dependent on international aid. As the Madleen’s passengers await repatriation, the incident highlights the ongoing struggle of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to deliver relief under blockade.
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