Israel vows to act against Greta Thunberg's Gaza-bound aid ship
- Activists departed from Italy to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza amid a humanitarian crisis.
- Israel's military has stated its preparedness to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza's shores.
- The upcoming mission raises significant concerns about international humanitarian efforts and responses.
On June 8, 2025, activists including Greta Thunberg set sail from Catania, Italy, aboard the vessel Madleen, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst a dire crisis. The ship is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which advocates against the Israeli blockade while addressing humanitarian concerns. With the current humanitarian situation exacerbated by limited aid distribution, Thunberg and her team stress the urgency of their mission to raise awareness. Israeli military officials have stated that they are prepared to act as necessary to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza's shores. These statements evoke memories of a 2010 incident where Israeli forces responded to a similar flotilla with deadly force, sparking international outrage. Emphasizing the importance of their mission, Thunberg underscored that every effort must be made to combat the perceived humanitarian catastrophe occurring in Gaza, labeling the global silence as dangerous. Attempts to deliver aid faced challenges earlier this year, including a prior flotilla's cancellation due to alleged Israeli drone strikes. This mission is poised to test diplomatic relations surrounding the blockade and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, attracting considerable media attention as it unfolds.