Tel Aviv has threatened that the Gaza Freedom Flotilla will not be allowed to approach the besieged coastal enclave, according to The Jerusalem Post. A civilian activist group is sailing a ship to Gaza as Israel continues its genocidal starvation campaign against the Palestinians there. For 80 days, Israel has imposed a mostly total blockade, only allowing a small trickle of humanitarian aid into the Strip last month. Since March, international aid organizations have been almost entirely prevented from providing desperately needed food, water, fuel, and medicine as Gaza’s remaining population is pushed closer to full-scale famine.
The civilian ship, the Madleen, will not be permitted to approach or dock in Gaza, a senior Israeli defense source told the Post. The report continued, “The official added that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make further decisions in this regard on Thursday.” On Wednesday, the ship released a distress signal after drones were reportedly seen hovering around the vessel as the crew attempts their voyage from Sicily to Gaza. An IDF spokesperson said yesterday that Israel is prepared to militarily confront the vessel carrying baby formula, medicine, and food.
The “IDF is prepared to operate on all fronts, including in the maritime arena,” Brigadier General Effie Edfrin ominously warned reporters during a press conference, adding “we will act accordingly.” The spokesperson boasted, “We have gained experience in recent years.” On board the Madleen is the famous environmental activist turned peace activist Greta Thunberg.