ISRAEL’S military has been ordered to do “whatever it takes” to stop Greta Thunberg’s boat from reaching Gaza.
The climate activist, aged 22, is one of 12 individuals on board the Madleen, which set sail from Sicily the previous Sunday as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
The group says its mission is to break Israel’s long-standing sea blockade and deliver urgent aid to the war-torn enclave.
However, Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant delivered a clear warning when the vessel was approaching its final destination: “You need to turn back – as you will not make it to Gaza.”
In a statement on X platform, Gallant informed that he had authorized the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to take action: “I have directed the IDF to intervene to prevent the ‘Madeleine’ flotilla of hatred from reaching the shores of Gaza – using any means necessary.”
“To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.
“Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations – at sea, in the air and on land.”
Alongside Thunberg is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European parliament of Palestinian descent.
She has previously been barred from entering Israel due to her outspoken criticism of the country’s policies towards Palestinians.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says it is carrying essential supplies to a population facing catastrophic conditions.
Humanitarian organisations have warned of an impending famine unless the blockade and the war – now in its 20th month – come to an end.
Israel imposed a near-total blockade on Gaza in late 2023, following Hamas’s horror massacre on southern Israel on October 7.
Though some limited aid has been allowed in since last month, aid agencies claim it is nowhere near enough.
The flotilla’s latest voyage follows a failed attempt in May, when another of its vessels was struck by two drones in international waters off Malta.
The group accused Israel of being behind the attack, which damaged the ship’s bow.
Despite the risks, activists aboard the Madleen have said they plan to enter Gaza’s territorial waters as early as Sunday.
