Sticking a Finger in the Wind: Israel's Stand against Boats of Protest to Gaza
Military actions to block a vessel en route to Gaza Strip, carrying advocates. - Military Intends to Bar Activists from Entering Gaza Strip
Last Sunday, a boat, dubbed the "Freedom Rider," set sail from Sicily, sailing toward the turbulent waters of the Gaza Strip. Its passengers aimed to criticize Israel's iron grip on aid deliveries to the Palestinian territory, branding the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip as a modern-day "holocaust," according to Rima Hassan - a French-Palestinian EU parliamentarian affiliated with the far-left party LFI.
Hassan, whose controversial statements have raised eyebrows in France, was apparently turned away from Israel during a European parliamentary visit in February.
Young environmental activist Greta Thunberg had initially planned to sail to the Gaza Strip in early May on a "Freedom Rider" ship, but the vessel suffered damage en route. Accusations pointed the finger at Israel, who were suspected of attacking the ship with a drone. Thunberg has long been an active participant in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militants in Gaza commenced on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and its affiliates launched a massive offensive on Israel, claiming the lives of approximately 1,210 people, according to Israeli reports. Around 251 people were seized in the Gaza Strip.
In response to Hamas's insurgency, Israel has been employing massive military operations in the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry's reports, over 54,700 casualties have been documented so far, with the United Nations confirming the authenticity of these numbers.
Palestine, Israel, Greta Thunberg, Gaza Strip, Sailing boat, Boat, Hamas, EU, Sunday, Sicily, France
- Israel's repeated efforts to thwart activist boats, spearheaded by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, from reaching the shores of the Gaza Strip.
- In June 2025, a ship named the Madleen, carrying figures like Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces as it neared the Palestinian coastline.
- Israeli authorities inspected the vessel, seized control, and redirected it to an Israeli port, indicating that any humanitarian aid on board would be forwarded to Gaza via approved channels.
- Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated publicly that the naval blockade of Gaza is in force to block Hamas from acquiring weapons and has vowed not to allow any breakthrough of the blockade.
References:
- Israeli forces intercept aid boat to Gaza – Al Jazeera
- Greta Thunberg's boat attacked by drone, organizers suspect Israel involvement – The Guardian
- Israel accuses French MP of incitement after Gaza visit – BBC News
- The European Parliament, led by French-Palestinian MP Rima Hassan, has expressed concern over Israel's persistence in stopping aid boats, such as the Freedom Rider, from reaching the Gaza Strip.
- In June 2025, another ship named the Madleen, carrying individuals like Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces as it approached the Palestinian coastline, with Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stating that the naval blockade of Gaza remains in place to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons.
