From international waters off Egypt's coast to global headlines, the aid ship Madleen has become the latest flashpoint in the decades-old Israeli-Gaza conflict. On Sunday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the Israeli Navy to intercept and block the vessel from approaching the Gaza Strip.
Madleen, part of the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is carrying humanitarian supplies and a crew of activists—among them Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg—who aim to deliver relief to Gaza's 2.3 million residents.
Katz accused the flotilla's organizers of spreading antisemitic and anti-Israel propaganda, and he warned that Israel would take all necessary measures to enforce the maritime blockade put in place to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas.
The directive follows a similar incident last month, when another coalition vessel, Conscience, was reportedly hit by a drone strike near Malta in international waters. While details remain disputed, the episode underscored the risks facing civilian-led missions at sea.
Israel has maintained its blockade on Gaza since 2007, tightening restrictions after the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Now in its 21st month, the conflict has triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis, with UN agencies warning of imminent famine across the territory.
As Madleen charts its path toward the Gaza coast, the world watches to see if this campaign of solidarity can overcome military barriers—or if international aid efforts will be halted once again at sea.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
