The IDF decided that the “Madleen,” which is sailing to Gaza and carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, will not be allowed to approach or dock in the Gaza Strip, KAN reported on Wednesday.
A senior Israeli defense source confirmed the matter to The Jerusalem Post, adding that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make more decisions on Thursday.
The ship is expected to arrive within a week.
According to the KAN report, 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: “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.
The ship departed from Sicily
The “Madleen,” organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily on Sunday carrying humanitarian aid including 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 quoted.
The activists on board, including Thunberg and Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, have called on the international community to protect them after spotting a drone hovering over the ship on Tuesday.
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