Israel said it is “prepared” and will “act accordingly” to stop Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who is sailing to Gaza with aid. Meanwhile, the Israeli defence forces have also threatened a special forces raid on the ship that is carrying Thunberg and other activists, according to a report from The Times of London. The 22-year-old set sail Sunday aboard the Madleen, a small vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying essential supplies like milk, rice, protein bars, and tinned food for Palestinians in the war-torn enclave.The Israeli military has responded strongly to the mission, warning that it is “prepared” and “will act accordingly” to prevent the boat from reaching Gaza.“The navy operates day and night to protect Israel’s maritime space and borders at sea,” Israeli army spokesperson brigadier general Effie Defrin said at a press conference. “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”The Madleen, which departed from Sicily on June 2, is part of a long-running effort by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a non-violent international movement that has sent ships to Gaza since 2010 to protest the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian relief.Thunberg shared photos from the boat wearing a keffiyeh scarf and holding a Palestinian flag, describing the voyage as an act of solidarity. Her participation has added significant global visibility to the mission.Shortly after departure, some of the 11 other activists on board reported being followed by drones. These were later identified as Greek coast guard devices, not Israeli surveillance.This isn’t the first time the flotilla has faced resistance. In early May, another vessel in the coalition, Conscience, was reportedly damaged in international waters off Malta. Activists suspect it was hit by an Israeli drone, though Israel has not confirmed any involvement.The Freedom Flotilla Coalition maintains that its goal is peaceful and humanitarian. On Tuesday, the group posted on social media, “Together, we can open a people’s sea corridor to Gaza.”Israel, meanwhile, recently eased its blockade on Gaza, but aid groups say the flow of relief remains insufficient. The United Nations and international organisations continue to call for expanded access to food, medicine, and other basic necessities in Gaza, where civilian suffering has worsened amid ongoing conflict.
