Israeli Forces Intercept 'Madaline' En Route to Gaza
The activist vessel was redirected following warnings from Israeli authorities prior to its arrival in Palestinian territory.
Israeli forces intercepted the vessel 'Madaline' on its way to Gaza on Monday, which was reportedly carrying activists, including prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Organizers of the humanitarian mission announced the interception after Israel had previously affirmed its intention to prevent the ship from reaching the Palestinian territories.
The 'Madaline' had departed from Sicily on Sunday with the aim of delivering aid and challenging the long-standing Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Early in the morning on Monday, contact with activists aboard the ship was lost, coinciding with alerts indicating potential interception, leading to preparations for the deployment of life jackets.
According to a statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, communication with the 'Madaline' was severed after Israeli military personnel boarded the vessel.
The coalition further claimed that the Israeli forces had 'hijacked' the vessel and its crew.
Video messages recorded beforehand by those on board, including a statement from Thunberg, surfaced where she indicated, 'If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters.'
Mamdouh Abu Awda, a media representative for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition based in Germany, reported to news agencies that it appears the activists are facing arrest.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated in a release that he had instructed the military to prevent the 'Madaline' from reaching Gaza, accusing the activists of serving as 'propaganda tools for Hamas.'
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the naval forces had directed the ship to alter its course as it approached a 'restricted area.' Approximately one hour later, it was reported that the vessel was being escorted to Israeli shores.
In a statement posted on social media, the Foreign Ministry added, 'Passengers are expected to return to their countries.' Furthermore, it remarked that the limited humanitarian supplies aboard the yacht, which had not been utilized by the 'celebrities,' would be transferred to Gaza through legitimate humanitarian channels.
Organizers of the humanitarian mission announced the interception after Israel had previously affirmed its intention to prevent the ship from reaching the Palestinian territories.
The 'Madaline' had departed from Sicily on Sunday with the aim of delivering aid and challenging the long-standing Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Early in the morning on Monday, contact with activists aboard the ship was lost, coinciding with alerts indicating potential interception, leading to preparations for the deployment of life jackets.
According to a statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, communication with the 'Madaline' was severed after Israeli military personnel boarded the vessel.
The coalition further claimed that the Israeli forces had 'hijacked' the vessel and its crew.
Video messages recorded beforehand by those on board, including a statement from Thunberg, surfaced where she indicated, 'If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters.'
Mamdouh Abu Awda, a media representative for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition based in Germany, reported to news agencies that it appears the activists are facing arrest.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated in a release that he had instructed the military to prevent the 'Madaline' from reaching Gaza, accusing the activists of serving as 'propaganda tools for Hamas.'
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that the naval forces had directed the ship to alter its course as it approached a 'restricted area.' Approximately one hour later, it was reported that the vessel was being escorted to Israeli shores.
In a statement posted on social media, the Foreign Ministry added, 'Passengers are expected to return to their countries.' Furthermore, it remarked that the limited humanitarian supplies aboard the yacht, which had not been utilized by the 'celebrities,' would be transferred to Gaza through legitimate humanitarian channels.
