Israel plans to obstruct a ship bound for Gaza, carrying environmental activist Greta Thunberg and other humanitarian aid.
Breaking News: Israel Intercepts Humanitarian Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg
JERUSALEM - On June 8, 2025, Israel ordered its military to stop the Madleen, a humanitarian ship carrying activists and essential supplies, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the ship was prevented from reaching Gaza because it was carrying "Hamas propaganda mouthpieces."
Katz issued a statement, saying, "I have instructed the military to prevent the Madleen flotilla from reaching Gaza." He added, "Turn back because you will not reach Gaza."
The Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, embarked on a voyage from Catania, Sicily, on June 1, carrying medical aid, food, and baby supplies[2][4]. Organisers reported reaching Egyptian waters on June 7, nearing Gaza where a conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for over two years.
European Parliament member Rima Hassan, aboard the boat, stated, "We are not armed. There is only humanitarian aid." She vowed to stay mobilised until the last minute[1]. The coalition expressed expectations of interference and attack from Israel at any moment, appealing for protection from the governments of those on board who were nationals of Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands[1].
In a statement, Katz stated, "Israel will not allow anyone to break the naval blockade of Gaza, which is aimed at preventing weapons from reaching Hamas - a murderous terrorist group holding our hostages and committing war crimes."
The Israeli military confirmed firing on people approaching a site west of Rafah, in southern Gaza, run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)[1]. The GHF has faced criticism from humanitarian agencies and the United Nations, citing concerns over its practices and neutrality[1].
As tensions escalate, the Israeli military also announced the location and identification of the body of Mohammed Sinwar, presumed Hamas leader in Gaza, buried in an "underground tunnel route beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis," in southern Gaza. Israeli forces claim to have killed Sinwar on May 13[1].
Mohammed Sinwar was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the slain Hamas leader accused by Israel of masterminding the 2023 attack that triggered the war[1]. After the deaths of several Hamas leaders, Mohammed Sinwar was thought to be at the heart of decisions on indirect negotiations with Israel[1].
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the United Nations repeatedly warning of famine. On June 8, Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, including five civilians hit by gunfire near an aid distribution center[1].
Sources:
- Reuters
- AP News
- Al Jazeera
- The Guardian
- The general news media reported on the politics surrounding the war-and-conflicts in Gaza, as Israel prevented a humanitarian ship carrying Greta Thunberg from reaching Gaza, citing concerns about Hamas propaganda.
- Apart from the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza, crime-and-justice issues arose when the Israeli military was accused of shooting civilians near an aid distribution center, leading to fatalities.
