ALBAWABA - The humanitarian vessel Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is now heading toward Egypt's northern coast on her route to Gaza, according to a statement released on Saturday by the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza. The ship is expected to reach a destination around 100 nautical miles from Gaza on Monday.
With 12 international activists accompanying her, Madleen departed the Italian island of Sicily last Sunday with the intention of delivering aid to the Gaza Strip and calling attention to the dire circumstances there. Its passengers include French member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. She urged the world community to ensure the ship's safe passage.
From the ship, Hassan warned that any action or interception would be illegal under international law. The crew stated they had been shocked by surveillance drones that approached the ship on previous evenings, despite the fact that they reported a calm voyage.
Human rights activist and flotilla member Yasemin Ager told Al Jazeera that the ship is delivering a crucial message to the world about the need to aid a people who have been going without food for the last three months. She said the mission's goals are to create humanitarian pathways and hold Israel accountable for its continuous embargo, which she says violates international law.
The trip follows a failed attempt in May when a previous vessel was reportedly attacked by Israeli drones near Malta. Madleen is the 36th ship to be launched as part of the worldwide movement known as the Freedom Flotilla, which was initiated in 2010 to oppose the blockade of Gaza.
Israel has often threatened and used force to halt flotilla activities. Ten Turkish people were murdered and the other activists were arrested after Israeli commandos assaulted the Mavi Marmara in 2010.
Despite the risks, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is committed to its humanitarian mission. Organizers said Madleen represents global solidarity with Palestinians and a new call to lift the embargo, which has been in place for more than 20 years.
