Israel won't allow Freedom Flotilla Coalition's Madleen to enter Gaza: Report
The Israeli military will send a 'direct message' to the sailing boat Madleen – operated by activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition – to not enter Gaza, The Jerusalem post reported Thursday, citing unnamed military sources.
The ship, which set out on Sunday from the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy, is on a mission to break Israel's siege of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military is reportedly preparing for its arrival by deploying troops in the area but a specific plan of action is yet to be determined, according to Israeli media.
If those on board 'defy orders or provoke' the Israeli army, they may be arrested and transferred to Ashdod port for their deportation.
Elite Commando unit Shayetet 13 and a missile boat fleet are preparing for this scenario, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing military sources.
Madleen is set to reach Gaza in the next few days. The ship is carrying humanitarian aid, including food and medicines.
Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and other 11 activists are on-board the Madleen.
The crew includes 'Game of Thrones' actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament who is of Palestinian descent.
In mid-May, Israel slightly eased its blockade of Gaza after nearly three months, allowing a limited amount of humanitarian aid into the territory.
Experts have warned that Gaza is at risk of famine if more aid is not brought in.
UN agencies and major aid groups say Israeli restrictions, the breakdown of law and order, and widespread looting make it extremely difficult to deliver aid to Gaza's roughly 2 million Palestinians.
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