Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, went full throttle on Sunday, ordering the IDF to “take all necessary measures” to prevent the Madleen—carrying Greta Thunberg and ten other activists—from reaching Gaza’s shores.
Katz’s blunt warning
“I have instructed the IDF to act so that the hate flotilla… does not reach the shores of Gaza,” Katz declared. “To the antisemitic Greta and her friends who echo Hamas propaganda: You’d better turn back.”
Activists refuse to back down
On board the Madleen, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition hit back: “This is yet another example of Israel threatening unlawful force against civilians. We will not be intimidated. The world is watching.”
Where are they now?
Having left Catania on 1 June, the vessel sat about 160 nautical miles from Gaza by Sunday evening. Organisers said they’re “calm, resolute, and prepared for the possibility of an Israeli attack.”
Gaza’s desperate hunger
Israel’s blockade has starved Gaza long before the October 2023 war. Even after a slight easing in mid-May, UN agencies warn of malnutrition “like none other”—Gaza is “the hungriest place on Earth.”
Blockade rationale
Katz insists the naval cordon prevents weapons reaching Hamas. “The State of Israel will not allow anyone to break the blockade… whose primary purpose is to prevent arms transfer to Hamas.”
Human cost mounts
On Sunday, four Palestinians died near a food distribution point. Since 27 May, when a US-backed foundation took over civilian food delivery, 110 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured trying to collect rations.
You can track the Madleen here.
You may also like: Hawksmoor responds to backlash over asking Tommy Robinson to leave
