As anticipated, the Israeli Defence Forces stopped the Freedom Flotilla vessel, Madleen, as it approached Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid in response to the dire hunger crisis there. The language used by Defence Minister Israel Katz typifies the Israeli view of the situation in Gaza. “Madeleine’ [sic] hate flotilla …the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople… Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organisations.”
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the 12-strong crew, which includes climate protester Greta Thunberg, should turn back and that Israel will act against any attempt to breach the blockade.
Katz said the purpose of Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007, was to “prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas” and was essential to Israel’s security as it seeks to destroy the Palestinian armed group Hamas.
He warned in a post on X on Sunday: “I have instructed the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] to act to prevent the ‘Madeleine’ [sic] hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza – and to take whatever measures are necessary to that end.”
Addressing the crew directly, he added: “To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.
“Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organisations – at sea, in the air, and on land.”
The FFC argues the sea blockade is illegal, andcharacterised the minister’s statement as an example of Israel threatening the unlawful use of force against civilians and “attempting to justify that violence with smears”.
Israel warns it will stop aid yacht heading for Gaza by André Rhoden-Paul, BBC News, June 8, 2025
InfoGraphic
You can see the interactive InforGraphic about the Madleen being stopped by Israel here: https://g.co/gemini/share/2c59eef3e457
Timeline
- March 2, 2025: Israel reimposes a full blockade on the entry of all humanitarian aid and medical supplies into the Gaza Strip.
- May 2, 2025 (early morning hours): The Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship Conscience is struck twice by drones in international waters off the coast of Malta. The attack targets the front of the ship, causing a fire and a substantial breach in the hull.
- May 4, 2025 (1600 CEST): A media update on the status of the Conscience and the Freedom Flotilla’s mission is scheduled in Malta.
- June 1, 2025: The ship Madleen departs from Catania, Sicily, with Gaza as its destination, carrying urgent supplies and activists, including Greta Thunberg. The mission is organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
- June 7, 2025: The Madleen nears Israeli waters.
- June 8, 2025: The Israeli Navy is communicating with the Madleen, instructing it to change course due to approaching a restricted area.
- June 9, 2025: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) board the Madleen and detain the 12 activists on board in international waters. The activists are subsequently transported to Israel.
- June 9, 2025: A group of Israeli and foreign activists gather at Ashdod port in anticipation of the Madleen‘s arrival.
- June 9, 2025: Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons the Israeli charge d’affaires in Madrid over the interception of the Madleen.
- Undated (after June 9, 2025): Turkey condemns Israel’s refusal to allow the Madleen to dock in Gaza and calls Israeli actions a “clear violation of international law,” referring to Israel as a “terror state.”
unflinching 