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Key Points
- The Madleen, a small sailboat operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is attempting to deliver aid to Gaza.
- Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is among approximately a dozen people aboard the vessel.
- Israel’s military stated it’s prepared to “protect” its maritime borders, implying readiness to intercept the ship.
Asked about the aid vessel, he said: “For this case as well, we are prepared.” He added: “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”
Israel has come under increasing international criticism over the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where the United Nations warned in May that the entire population was at risk of famine.
In early May, the Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience was damaged in international waters off Malta as it headed to Gaza, with the activists saying they suspected an Israeli drone attack.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg is among those onboard the ship. Source: AP / Salvatore Cavalli
Israel has not responded to requests for comment on the incident.
A UN report said all activist deaths were caused by gunshots, finding the killing of at least six of the passengers “consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution”.
