Drone spotted over Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla ship as Israel vows to block entry

A drone identified as a Hellenic Coast Guard Heron was seen hovering late Monday over the Gaza-bound aid vessel Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s ongoing effort to break Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The pro-Palestinian coalition confirmed that the surveillance drone had later left the area and that all 12 people on board remained safe. A second drone was reportedly observed monitoring the vessel later the same day.

"This is a peaceful act of civil resistance," the coalition said in a statement. "All volunteers and crew aboard Madleen are trained in nonviolence. Thank you to everyone who shared our live updates and supported the mission."

The Madleen, which departed Catania, Sicily, on Sunday, is carrying humanitarian aid including baby formula, nappies, flour, rice, sanitary products, water filters, and medical supplies. It aims to reach Gaza via international and European waters.

#FreedomFlotilla #BreakTheSiege #AllEyesOnDeck pic.twitter.com/n5yHQ2xdOj

— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 3, 2025

"This is a civilian mission aimed at symbolically breaking the blockade on Gaza," said climate activist Greta Thunberg, who is among those on board. "If there is even a single grain of humanity left, we must fight for Palestine - for a free Palestine. I am here because it is a duty."

Other high-profile participants include Irish actor Liam Cunningham, known for Game of Thrones, and Palestinian Member of the European Parliament, Rima Hassan.

Israel prepares to confront ship

Israel has repeatedly threatened that it would take action to block the crew from entering Gaza.

The Israeli army spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin, said: "We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly. We are well prepared."

And on Tuesday, the Israeli military warned that it will not allow the ship to reach Gaza. "We enforce the maritime security blockade on Gaza and are prepared for a range of scenarios," Army Radio reported, citing an official military statement.

Madleen is the latest in a series of Freedom Flotilla missions. In May, a previous vessel, Conscience, was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters near Malta. The coalition said the attack breached the hull, started a fire, and disabled the ship, leaving it adrift. No injuries were reported at the time.

"Israeli drones attacked our civilian aid ship Conscience, injuring four people and setting it on fire," said Hay Sha Wiya, a spokesperson for the coalition, told The New Arab. "Time and time again, we see Israel act with impunity. It’s impossible not to expect violence from an illegal occupation committing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza."

The coalition reaffirmed that the Madleen is engaged in a lawful, unarmed mission in full accordance with international law. "Any attack or interference would be a deliberate and illegal act against civilians," it warned.

UN experts have repeatedly urged Israel not to obstruct humanitarian access to Gaza, reminding the government of its legal obligations and stating that vessels in international waters must not be intercepted.

Since 2 March, Israel has closed all land and sea crossings into Gaza, cutting off humanitarian aid to 2.4 million Palestinians. The result has been catastrophic: deadly famine, a collapsed healthcare system, and widespread displacement.

Israel’s war on Gaza, which began on 7 October 2023, has killed and wounded over 178,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. More than 11,000 remain missing, and hundreds of thousands have been forcibly displaced.

The Madleen is expected to reach waters near Gaza within the week, but many fear a confrontation. A similar mission by the Al-Dameer vessel last month was stopped before reaching the coast, fuelling concern that Israel may again use force to uphold its blockade.