Latest news with #InternationalCommitteetoBreaktheSiege
Libyan Express
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Maritime aid vessel encounters technical difficulties near Gaza coast
BY Libyan Express Jun 08, 2025 - 19:31 Updated: Jun 08, 2025 - 19:31 Israel preparing to intercept aid vessel 'Madleen' before it enters Gaza waters: Israeli media The cargo ship Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is experiencing communications disruptions as it approaches Gaza's coastal waters. The vessel carries 12 international volunteers and humanitarian supplies, according to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza. The ship is currently several kilometres from its stated destination. Crew members report ongoing technical issues with navigation and communication equipment. Aerial surveillance has been observed in the area for multiple hours. Dr Baptiste André, a French medical professional aboard the vessel, confirmed the crew maintains contact with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international organisations. The ship transports approximately one tonne of medical equipment. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg, also travelling with the mission, stated the crew anticipates reaching Gaza within one to two days. She called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and the lifting of maritime restrictions around Gaza. Israeli authorities have announced plans to intercept the vessel before it enters what they designate as Israeli territorial waters. Israel Hayom reported that naval forces conducted exercises off the Ashdod coast in preparation for potential maritime operations. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorised military personnel to prevent the Madeleine from reaching Gaza, citing the blockade as necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas. Israeli officials characterise the mission as politically motivated rather than purely humanitarian. Video footage circulated online shows Israeli youth on a boat making hostile comments directed at Thunberg and the crew members. The individuals in the video disputed the mission's humanitarian objectives. The Madeleine is the 36th vessel in the Freedom Flotilla initiative, an international campaign that began in 2010 to challenge the naval blockade around Gaza. The ship departed from Catania, Italy, in early June. It is named after Madeleine Kulab, a Gaza fisher who died with her father during military operations in the territory in October 2023. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Roya News
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Roya News
'Israeli' military prepares to block Gaza-bound freedom flotilla
Israeli Occupation Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday that he had instructed military forces to take all necessary measures to prevent the aid ship Madleen from reaching the shores of Gaza. Katz stated that "Israel will act against any attempt to break the siege or deliver aid; by sea, by air, or by land." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he warned: 'It's better you turn back, you will not reach Gaza.' His remarks come amid growing concerns expressed by the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, which accused 'Israeli' forces of deliberately disrupting the signal and location of the Madleen as it nears Palestinian waters off the coast of Gaza. The committee described the interference as 'dangerous' and a direct threat to the safety of the activists on board. The Madleen is carrying humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, crutches, prosthetics for children, and water filters. The committee urged the international community to intervene immediately to ensure the ship's safe passage and warned that any escalation could endanger both the activists and civilians in Gaza.
