Freedom Flotilla Warns Israel Against Intercepting Gaza-Bound Ship Madeleine
Activists call planned Israeli intervention a violation of international law; UN experts demand safe passage for humanitarian mission carrying Greta Thunberg and global figures.
Watan-The Freedom Flotilla Coalition on Thursday condemned Israel’s declared intention to attack the Madeleine, a civilian vessel carrying humanitarian aid and international human rights defenders en route to Gaza.
According to Israeli media, the Israeli military is preparing to intercept the ship, deploying security forces and naval units in the region.
In a statement, the coalition said the Madeleine is currently sailing from Catania, Sicily, toward Gaza. It reported that two drones linked to the Greek coast guard flew over the vessel Wednesday evening, calling the move a form of surveillance and intimidation.
The coalition also noted that the Greek coast guard refused to identify the drones or respond to the ship’s call for assistance—despite Greece being the closest port—raising suspicions that Greece or the EU may be cooperating with Israel in providing intelligence for a possible illegal operation.
Israel Prepares for Military Response
Hebrew news outlet Walla reported that the Israeli military is on alert, although no final decision has been made about how to act. Based on prior cases, the Israeli navy is expected to issue a warning, and if defied, may seize the ship and escort the activists to Ashdod Port for deportation.
Naval commando unit Shayetet 13 and missile boat squadrons are reportedly ready to intercept and detain the activists. Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 confirmed that security agencies decided to prevent the ship from approaching Gaza’s coast. Although initial assessments judged the vessel to pose no security threat, authorities reversed course to avoid setting a precedent for future flotillas.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz is expected to meet with senior military officials Thursday to discuss options—either forcing the ship to remain offshore or escorting it to Ashdod.
International Legal Warnings and UN Support
The Freedom Flotilla’s statement cited a UN Human Rights expert call on Monday, urging the international community to ensure Madeleine’s safe passage to Gaza. They warned that any attempt to block the ship would violate international law, describing the Gaza crisis as “man-made and preventable.”
Attorney and Freedom Flotilla steering committee member Huwaida Arraf stressed:“Israel has no legal authority to impose a naval blockade or intercept Madeleine. Doing so would violate maritime law and defy binding rulings from the International Court of Justice.”
Arraf also raised concerns that Greek drone involvement could implicate Greece in illegal acts under international law.
Yasmin Akar, also on the steering committee and aboard the Madeleine, said:“As drones tracked us all night, we also witnessed horror in Gaza’s port—mass bombings of displaced families. We call on governments and people of conscience to demand that Israel refrain from attacking the Madeleine.”
Emergency Rescue En Route
EU Parliamentarian Rima Hassan, aboard the Madeleine, reported receiving a distress signal from a refugee boat off Libya. The Madeleine, being the closest vessel per Frontex (EU Border Agency) data, diverted for two hours to assist.
Upon arrival, they found that Libyan coast guards had forced the boat back, but four refugees had jumped into the sea. The Madeleine crew rescued them, bringing the total number of people onboard to 16.
Symbolic Mission Against the Siege
The Madeleine departed last Sunday from Catania, Sicily, as part of a campaign to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza. On board are 12 activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham.
Before departure, Thunberg declared:“This is a civil mission meant to symbolically break the siege. If there is one shred of humanity left, we must fight for a free Palestine. I’m here because it is our duty.”
The ship is expected to reach Gaza within a week, amid real threats of Israeli interception in international waters, as occurred last May when another flotilla ship, Al-Dhamir, was attacked by Israeli drones, causing fires and hull damage.
The Madeleine’s journey is now under international legal scrutiny, as global attention turns once again to Israel’s enforcement of the Gaza blockade and the right to humanitarian access.
