Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has pledged to prevent the aid vessel “Madleen,” carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists, from breaching Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza, stating he would do so by “any means necessary.” The “Madleen” departed from Sicily with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the region. On Sunday, it was reported to be around 160 nautical miles away from Gaza, near Rosetta, Egypt.
Katz declared that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would stop what he referred to as the “hate flotilla,” addressing Thunberg as an “anti-Semite” and urging her and her crew to turn back. He reinforced Israel’s stance on preventing any aid to what he deemed terrorist organizations, citing the blockade’s purpose as a means to pressure Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007.
The crew of the “Madleen,” comprised of activists including “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, are reportedly preparing for potential interception. Earlier, they faced issues with their satellite signal, leading to confusion about their location. Thunberg emphasized the crew’s commitment to their mission, stating that ceasing their efforts would signify losing humanity itself.
The backdrop to this situation involves accusations against Israel regarding rising starvation conditions in Gaza, which has seen extensive casualties since the escalation of violence after the October 7 Hamas attacks, which left around 1,200 dead and hundreds taken hostage. The recent humanitarian aid provisions faced controversies, including incidents where Palestinians seeking assistance were killed. Experts warn that without increased aid, Gaza may face famine.
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