• Source:JND
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In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing global response to Israel’s blockade of Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has publicly instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to prevent a humanitarian flotilla carrying aid and prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza. The vessel, Madleen, is currently en route to Gaza as part of a mission by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

“I have instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen does not reach Gaza,” Katz declared in a statement released Saturday. “To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back, because you will not reach Gaza.”

He added that the military would take “whatever measures are necessary” to stop what he described as a threat to Israeli sovereignty. “Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organisations, at sea, in the air, and on land,” Katz stated.

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'Freedom Flotilla Coalition'

The Madleen, organised by the FFC, is carrying 12 passengers, including Swedish climate icon Greta Thunberg, Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament. Also on board is Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham. The mission aims to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza and to protest what the group calls Israel’s “illegal, decades-long blockade and ongoing genocide.”

The voyage began in Sicily and included a detour to pick up Sudanese refugees. Israeli officials have dismissed the flotilla as a provocation and labelled the activists as sympathisers of terrorism.

Diplomatic Pressure And UK Involvement

According to The Times of Israel, London has refused Israeli requests to block the boat’s entry into Israeli waters, stating it would only intervene if there is a safety threat. British officials have urged Israel to ensure the safety of the boat and its passengers. “They call it the selfie flotilla,” said one Israeli official, underscoring Tel Aviv’s scepticism of the activists’ motives.

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Thunberg Responds To US Senator’s Mockery

Thunberg also responded sharply to US Senator Lindsey Graham, who sarcastically commented, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” after reports of her involvement. In an interview with Democracy Now, Thunberg replied, “We can swim very well… This mockery says everything about their priorities in the face of genocide and starvation.”