Israeli Navy Expected to Block Gaza-Bound Activist Flotilla

The Madleen, a boat carrying 12 international activists including Greta Thunberg, Liam Cunningham, and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, is en route to Gaza to challenge Israel's naval blockade, which has been in place since 2007 and criticized as collective punishment. The Israeli Navy has announced it will intercept the vessel before it reaches Gaza's waters, with preparations underway including potential deployment of special military units. The blockade has significantly restricted access to essential supplies in Gaza, exacerbating humanitarian suffering, especially amid recent escalations resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths since October 2023. The activists are bringing humanitarian aid such as infant formula, medical supplies, and water desalination kits, but Israeli officials appear reluctant to allow the flotilla's entry to avoid setting a precedent. The situation has attracted diplomatic attention from countries like France and the UK, which are monitoring the presence of their citizens aboard the ship. The approaching confrontation is expected to have significant diplomatic and humanitarian implications amid ongoing conflict and severe deprivation in Gaza.