Originally Posted by Capri
Al Jazeera June 3, 2025
Freedom Flotilla on its way to Gaza as critics call for ship to sink grin

Critics, including U.S. officials, are calling for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s new mission to fail, with twelve volunteers, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg on board. The flotilla is trying to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. crazy Publicity stunt rolleyes
She's always been confrontational

From: Agence France-Presse June 3, 2025
Israel army vows to ‘protect maritime space’ as aid boat sails for Gaza

The boat from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition departed Sicily on Sunday and is carrying around a dozen people, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel’s military said it was ready to “protect” the country’s maritime space on Tuesday, after a boat organized by an international activist coalition set sail for Gaza aiming to deliver aid.

The boat from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition departed Sicily on Sunday and is carrying around a dozen people, including environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel has come under increasing international criticism over the dire humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where the United Nations warned in May that the entire population was at risk of famine.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said:
Quote
“The (Israeli military) is prepared to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts — in the north, the south, the center and also in the maritime arena,” “The navy operates day and night to protect Israel’s maritime space and borders at sea,”

He added at a televised press conference: “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”
“For this case as well, we are prepared,” he said in response to a question about the Freedom Flotilla vessel, declining to go into detail.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, launched in 2010 is a non-violent international movement supporting Palestinians, combining humanitarian aid with political protest against the blockade on Gaza.

The “Madleen” is a small sailboat reportedly carrying fruit juices, milk, rice, tinned food and protein bars.
“Together, we can open a people’s sea corridor to Gaza,” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition wrote on X on Tuesday.

In early May, a Freedom Flotilla ship called the “Conscience” was damaged in international waters off Malta as it headed to Gaza, with the activists saying they suspected an Israeli drone attack.

Israel recently eased a more than two-month blockade on the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, but the aid community has urged it to allow in more food, faster.