IDF Ordered to Prevent Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg
Israel's defense minister has instructed the military to take all necessary actions to stop a humanitarian flotilla, including a ship carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg, from reaching Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Minister has directed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to prevent a vessel, the Madleen, from reaching the Gaza Strip. The ship is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an organization known for attempting to break the Israeli maritime blockade of Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. Among the passengers is climate activist Greta Thunberg. The government stated that the military should take all necessary measures to stop the ship. Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since 2007, citing security concerns related to the governing authority in Gaza, Hamas. Humanitarian flotillas attempting to reach Gaza have previously been intercepted by Israeli forces. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has organized similar missions in the past, aiming to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and challenge the blockade. The involvement of Greta Thunberg, a prominent international figure, has brought additional attention to this particular mission.