Israel Will Block Greta Thunberg’s Ship from Reaching Gaza

The IDF will not allow the Madleen, which is sailing to Gaza carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, to approach or dock in the Gaza Strip, a senior Israeli defense source told The Jerusalem Post.

The official added that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make further decisions in this regard on Thursday.

The ship is expected to arrive within a week.

According to KAN News, Israel initially considered allowing the ship to dock in Gaza after security officials determined it did not pose a threat. However, authorities later reversed this decision.

IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters at a press conference that the “IDF is prepared to operate on all fronts, including in the maritime arena,” adding: “We will act accordingly.”

If permitted to dock, the activists would have been stranded in Gaza. To avoid setting a precedent that could undermine the blockade, Israel decided not to allow the Madleen to approach Gaza’s shores.

The ship departed from Sicily

The Madleen’s voyage, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily on Sunday carrying humanitarian aid such as baby formula, diapers, flour, rice, water filters, hygiene products, and medical equipment.

Before setting sail, Thunberg told reporters, “No matter how dangerous this mission is, it is nowhere near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the lives being genocided,” Reuters said.

Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham is also among the activists on board.

They recently called on the international community to protect them after spotting a drone hovering over the ship near Greece on Tuesday.