Israel vows to block Gaza aid ship Madleen from reaching coast, issues threats

The Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz has said that the country will stop the Madleen from reaching Gaza, singling out activist Greta Thunberg.
3 min read
08 June, 2025
Israel is allegedly planning to use commandos to stop the vessel [Getty]

Israel has announced it will prevent the humanitarian ship Madleen from reaching the coast of Gaza, amid fears that the vessel’s mission to deliver aid and break the siege could result in an international media incident.

Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Sunday he had instructed the military to act against the ship.

"I have issued instructions to the army to act to prevent the Madleen flotilla from reaching Gaza," Katz said. '

"I say clearly to [climate activist on board] Greta Thunberg, who is antisemitic, and her friends: turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."

Speaking to the Hebrew-language outlet Ynet, Katz added: "Israel will not allow anyone to breach the naval blockade on Gaza, which aims, first and foremost, to prevent weapons and combat materials from reaching Hamas."

The Israeli army reportedly plans to intercept Madleen before it reaches what Israel considers its territorial waters.

According to Israel Hayom, officials noted that the presence of European Parliament member Rima Hassan - who holds diplomatic status - had delayed earlier action against the ship. The vessel carries 12 human rights activists and has been at sea for eight days, sailing from Italy.

Citing Israeli officials, Channel 12 reported that Madleen was approximately 250 nautical miles (460 kilometres) from Gaza’s shores as of Sunday, and could arrive late Sunday night or on Monday. However, officials said the passengers may attempt to slow the ship’s speed to arrive during midday hours, when visibility is optimal for media coverage.

According to the channel, naval commandos from the Shayetet 13 unit will be tasked with intercepting the ship. There is reported concern within the Israeli establishment that a confrontation could be broadcast live to millions around the world, potentially damaging Israel’s international image.

One of the activists on board, Yasmin Aker, issued a video appeal on Instagram, calling on "millions around the world who support Gaza" to pressure for safe passage of the aid-laden vessel. “If you don’t hear from us in the coming hours, it means we’ve been cut off from the world,” she said, noting that communications were already starting to break down.

Earlier on Sunday, the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza warned on X that Israel was actively "interfering with the location tracking and signals" of those aboard Madleen. The committee described the move as "a serious matter".

The ship’s approach comes amid heightened global attention on the blockade of Gaza, now in its 21st month, and growing fears of another deadly maritime confrontation.

By using military units, Israel risks repeating the tragedy of the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli naval commandos raided a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters, killing nine activists and injuring dozens more.

The operation, also carried out by Shayetet 13, triggered a major diplomatic fallout and international condemnation, particularly from Turkey, from where the ship sailed.