Israel warns it will 'act accordingly' as Greta Thunberg's aid ship nears Gaza
Listen to article
Israel has issued a stern warning to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), stating it will "act accordingly" as the group's vessel, Madleen, approaches Gaza.
The ship, carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other pro-Palestine campaigners, departed from Catania, Italy, on Sunday with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
Military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin told British newspaper The Times that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were prepared. 'For this case as well, we are prepared,' Defrin said. 'We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.'
Activists aboard the Madleen have reported aerial surveillance for two consecutive nights, with drones allegedly operated by Greece's Hellenic Coast Guard passing directly over the vessel. Thiago Avila, a member of the FFC steering committee on board, described the presence of the drone as a 'critical threat.'
'This time the drone came closer than any other and passed above our boat, which is a critical threat, considering one month ago Israel bombed our boat in conditions like these at a similar hour,' Avila posted on social media.
Repost from @genocide_free.cy (IG):
The use of Heron drones by Greece is a key tool in the growing alliance between Greece, Cyprus, 'I$rael', and the US, tightening control over the Eastern Mediterranean..../2 pic.twitter.com/VBNJkUi8kC — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 4, 2025
The Freedom Flotilla's journey has triggered a massive online solidarity campaign. More than 498,000 letters have been submitted to Israeli officials, the United Nations, and foreign governments, urging Israel not to interfere with the vessel or harm those aboard.
This is not the first time the coalition has encountered hostilities. Last month, another FFC vessel, Conscience, was reportedly attacked by armed drones in international waters near Malta, which the group attributed to Israel or one of its allies.
The coalition emphasizes that these letters alone will not prevent potential attacks, and calls for active support and action from the international community.
In 2010, Israeli forces raided the Mavi Marmara, part of a similar Gaza-bound flotilla, killing nine activists and sparking international outrage.
The current mission comes amid heightened scrutiny of Israel's blockade, which rights groups say has contributed to a deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, especially in the wake of recent military escalations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Modi claims to receive G7 invite from Canadian PM
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives to attend the ceremonial recption of Angola's President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco at the Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace in New Delhi, India, May 3, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that he had received an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month. "Look forward to our meeting at the Summit," Modi said in a post on X. The summit, scheduled to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta from June 15 to 17, is being hosted by Canada—amid strained bilateral relations with India. Tensions have been heightened by Canada's allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan separatist leader on Canadian soil in 2023.
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Oil prices headed for rebound this week as US-China trade talks resume
LONDON: Oil prices steadied on Friday and were on track for their first weekly gain in three weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping resumed trade talks, raising hopes for growth and stronger demand in the world's two largest economies. Brent crude futures fell 9 cents, or 0.1%, to $65.25 a barrel by 1210 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude lost 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $63.25. On a weekly basis, both benchmarks were on track to settle higher after declining for two straight weeks. Brent has advanced 2.2% this week, while WTI is trading 4.1% higher. China's official Xinhua news agency said trade talks between Xi and Trump took place at Washington's request on Thursday. Trump said the call had led to a 'very positive conclusion,' adding the U.S. was 'in very good shape with China and the trade deal.' Canada also continued trade talks with the U.S., with Prime Minister Mark Carney in direct contact with Trump, according to Industry Minister Melanie Joly. The oil market continued to swing with news on tariff negotiations and data showing how trade uncertainty and the impact of the U.S. levies are flowing through into the global economy. Oil eases after US data shows large builds in fuel stocks 'The potential for increased U.S. sanctions in Venezuela to limit crude exports and the potential for Israeli strike on Iranian infrastructure add to upside risks for prices,' analysts at BMI, a Fitch affiliate, said in a note on Friday. 'But both weaker demand for oil and increased production from both OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers will add to downside price pressures in the coming quarters.' Top exporter Saudi Arabia cut its July crude prices for Asia to near two-month lows. That was a smaller price reduction than expected after OPEC+ agreed to ramp up output by 411,000 barrels per day in July. The kingdom had been pushing for a bigger output hike, part of a broader strategy to win back market share and discipline over-producers in OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia. 'The market looks balanced in 2Q/3Q on our estimates as oil demand rises in summer and peaks in July-August, matching supply increases from OPEC+,' HSBC said in a note. 'Thereafter, accelerated OPEC+ hikes should tip the market into a bigger 4Q25 surplus than previously forecasted,' the bank added.
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
EU ‘deeply regrets' US sanctions on ICC judges
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: The EU 'deeply regrets' the US sanctions imposed on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the European Commission said Friday, voicing full support for the Hague-based court. 'The ICC holds perpetrators of the world's gravest crimes to account and gives victims a voice,' Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen posted on X. 'It must be free to act without pressure.' 'We deeply regret the decision to impose sanctions on four additional individuals,' added commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper. 'We will provide the full support and contribution to ensure the protection of the court and its staff,' she told reporters. The sanctions imposed Thursday – in part over the ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – come as Washington ramps up its efforts to neuter the court. Israel urges ICC to drop arrest warrants against PM Neither United States nor Israel are party to the Rome Statute that established the court in 2002, to prosecute individuals for the world's gravest crimes when countries are unwilling or unable to do so themselves. Two of the targeted judges, Beti Hohler of Slovenia and Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin, took part in proceedings that led to the warrant being issued for Netanyahu last November. The other two, Luz del Carmen Ibanez Carranza of Peru and Solomy Balungi Bossa of Uganda, were part of proceedings that led to a probe into allegations US forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan. European Council chief Antonio Costa earlier underscored the EU's support for the ICC, which he said 'does not stand against nations – it stands against impunity.' 'We must protect its independence and integrity. The rule of law must prevail over the rule of power,' Costa wrote on X.
