“Madleen” Humanitarian Boat Nears Gaza Strip as Part of Freedom Flotilla Coalition
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A ship carrying activists and aid is approaching Gaza, aiming to break the blockade.
A humanitarian vessel, the “Madleen,” carrying 12 activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, is getting closer to the Gaza Strip. Organizers announced Saturday that the ship has reached the Egyptian coast, bringing it nearer to the war-torn and Israeli-blockaded territory.
The Maseda sailboat, part of the freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily on Sunday with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and “Breaking the Israeli blockade” imposed on the Palestinian territory, which the United Nations warns is threatened with famine. german human rights activist Yasemin Acar told Agency France-Presse, “We are currently sailing off the Egyptian coast. everything is fine.”
International Committee Seeks Guarantees for Activist Safety
In a press release from London, the International Committee to break the headquarters of Gaza, a member association of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, stated that the ship had entered Egyptian waters near the Gaza Strip. The committee said it is in contact with international legal bodies to ensure the safety of those on board, cautioning that any interception would be “A blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”
“We are currently sailing off the Egyptian coast. Everything is fine.”
Earlier in the week, on Thursday, the boat diverted it’s course to rescue four Sudanese migrants at sea. At that time, the sailboat was in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Greece and north of Libya and Egypt. The Freedom Flotilla coalition, established in 2010, describes itself as a non-violent international movement showing solidarity with the Palestinians, with a focus on humanitarian aid and political advocacy against the blockade of Gaza.
According to journalist Andrea Legni, who is on board, the Mased is carrying “Fruit juice, milk, rice, canned, protein bars offered by hundreds of citizens of Catania.” In early May, another ship associated with the Freedom Flotilla, which was intended to pick up supporters, including Greta Thunberg, in malta before heading to Gaza, was damaged. activists suspected the damage was the result of an attack by Israeli drones.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Blockade
- Why is there a blockade on Gaza?
- Israel says the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons and materials that could be used for military purposes from entering Gaza, especially after Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.
- What is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition?
- It is a group of pro-Palestinian activists who organize attempts to break the Gaza blockade and deliver humanitarian aid by sea.
- What are the main criticisms of the Gaza blockade?
- Critics argue that the blockade constitutes collective punishment of the Palestinian population, severely restricting the movement of people and goods, and contributing to a dire humanitarian situation.
