ALBAWABA- Tensions are rising off the coast of Gaza as the Israeli military readies its naval forces to intercept the “Madleen,” a humanitarian aid ship launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).
The vessel, carrying life-saving supplies and international human rights defenders, is expected to approach Israeli-controlled waters late Monday or early Tuesday.
Israeli military sources confirmed that elite Shayetet 13 naval commandos, Israel's equivalent to the U.S. Navy SEALs, along with missile boats, have been tasked with stopping the vessel.
According to Channel 12, the Chief of Staff has instructed the Navy to intercept “Madleen” before it reaches Gaza’s territorial waters, tow it to the port of Ashdod, and detain the passengers for questioning before deporting them.
The move is part of Israel’s long-standing naval blockade on Gaza, which it allegedly enforces under the justification of national security. Critics, however, describe the blockade as collective punishment, exacerbating a catastrophic humanitarian crisis for over two million Palestinians.
The “Madleen,” named after Gaza’s first and only fisherwoman in 2014, is sailing under the banner of peaceful civil resistance.
On board are international activists, including Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who told Al Jazeera: “We will fulfill our promises to the Palestinians and do our utmost to stand up to Israel's crimes.”
Carrying essentials like baby formula, medical supplies, water filters, and prosthetics, the ship represents a direct challenge to Israel’s blockade and a call for urgent international attention.
Volunteers on board are trained in nonviolence and are sailing unarmed, united in their call to open humanitarian corridors into Gaza. The mission comes amid a devastating escalation in Gaza, where Israeli attacks have intensified.
In the last 24 hours alone, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 108 Palestinians killed and 393 injured. Since October 7, 2023, the toll has soared to over 54,880 dead and more than 126,000 wounded.
