Activists aboard the ship “Madleen,” currently en route to the Gaza coastline in an effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade, reported early Monday that a security alert was triggered on board. However, they later clarified that the alarm was ultimately a false one.
According to a message shared in the flotilla’s Telegram channel, “An alarm was sounded on deck, and life jackets are ready in case of an attempted takeover of the ship.” A follow-up message soon after stated, “The vessel that approached us has left. All eyes on deck, all eyes on Gaza.”
Responding to the situation, Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement reiterating the legal status of the blockade. “The maritime zone off the coast of Gaza is closed to unauthorized vessels under a legal naval blockade, consistent with international law,” the statement read.
The Ministry dismissed the flotilla’s stated mission as disingenuous. “The yacht is claiming that it is delivering humanitarian aid. In fact, it is a media gimmick for publicity (which includes less than a single truckload of aid) – a ‘selfie yacht’.”
The statement emphasized that aid efforts are already in place and functioning effectively. “Humanitarian aid is delivered regularly and effectively via different channels and routes, and is transferred through established distribution mechanisms. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed close to 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza,” the Ministry asserted.
Citing security risks, the Ministry warned of the potential danger the flotilla presents. “The Gaza maritime zone remains an active conflict area, and Hamas has previously exploited sea routes for terrorist attacks, including the October 7th massacre. Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts,” it stated.
Officials concluded with a call for responsibility. “We call on all actors to act responsibly and to channel humanitarian aid through legitimate, coordinated mechanisms, not through provocation.”
The “Madleen” flotilla includes a number of well-known progressive figures. Among them are environmental activist Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham of “Game of Thrones” fame, and Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament from France.
Defense Minister Israel Katz has directed the IDF to block the ship’s progress using all necessary force. He stressed that the vessel must not be permitted to arrive in Gaza.
“The State of Israel will not allow anyone to violate the maritime blockade on Gaza, which exists primarily to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas—a murderous terrorist organization that holds our hostages and commits war crimes,” Katz said.
“I have instructed the IDF to ensure that the ‘Madleen’ flotilla does not reach Gaza. To the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spreading friends, I say this clearly: you’d better turn back—you will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or support terrorist organizations—by sea, air, or land.”
In anticipation of the flotilla’s approach, the Israeli Navy has held drills simulating an interception. As the vessel nears Israeli waters, naval teams plan to make contact with those on board and notify them of their unauthorized entry.
Sailors have been instructed that if the crew agrees to retreat, they will be allowed to do so peacefully. Should they refuse, the elite Shayetet 13 commandos will board the vessel and escort it to the port city of Ashdod.
{Matzav.com}