Israel Vows to Block Greta Thunberg’s Aid Ship Bound for Gaza

Israel has declared it will not allow the ship carrying environmental activist Greta Thunberg to reach Gaza, according to international media reports, including the UK’s Independent. The vessel ‘Madleen’ departed from Italy with the aim of delivering a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian enclave. Israel announced on Wednesday evening (04.06.2025) that it would prevent the ship, which carries activists, including Thunberg, from delivering aid to Gaza. The ‘Madleen,’ featuring the renowned Swedish climate activist, left a Sicilian port on June 1st alongside 11 other activists intending to deliver a symbolic quantity of aid to the Palestinian territory, currently in an acute humanitarian crisis. However, Brigadier General Efi Einthoven, representing the Israeli military, implied that Israel would block the ship before it reaches Gaza’s shores. “We are prepared for this eventuality,” he stated, adding: “We have gained experience over the past few years.” In 2010, Israel faced global condemnation when its special forces killed nine people aboard a flotilla of aid ships destined for Gaza.