08.06.2025 20:20
The "Madleen" sailboat, which set out with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid by breaking the blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, has been subjected to an internet blackout by Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz also announced that they would prevent the ship from reaching Gaza.
Human rights activist Yasemin Acar on the "Madleen" ship delivering aid to Gaza announced that Israel has started implementing an internet blackout.
The "Madleen" sailing vessel of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which set sail with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid by breaking the blockade imposed by Israel along with its violent attacks on the Gaza Strip, is facing increasing threats from Israel.
THEY HAVE BLACKED OUT THE INTERNET
Yasemin Acar, a human rights activist on the ship, stated that Israel has "started implementing an internet blackout." Referring to reports in the Israeli press about naval ships being sent to intervene with the "Madleen" sailing vessel, Acar said, "We have been officially informed by our team on the ground that the internet blackout against us has officially begun. And we can see this through the interruptions in our connection, as (the internet) has slowed down significantly."
REMINDING OF THE MAVI MARMARA
Acar commented on the possible intervention of Israeli naval forces against the Madleen ship carrying aid to the people of Gaza, saying, "We are in international waters heading towards Gaza. If something happens to us, meaning if Israeli forces use violence against our humanitarian mission, it would be a new war crime, because we are not on their territory."
Emphasizing that Israel has previously targeted ships aiming to break the blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid, Acar recalled the attack on the Mavi Marmara in 2010, where 10 people lost their lives in international waters, and the drone attack on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's Conscience ship off the coast of Malta on May 2.
ISRAEL'S THREAT OF ATTACK
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, who shared a photo of his meeting with Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and naval commanders on his social media account, signaled an intervention. In his statement, Katz said, "I have instructed the Israeli army to do whatever is necessary to prevent the Madleen hate flotilla from reaching Gaza. I clearly tell the anti-Semitic Greta and Hamas propaganda spokespeople: Turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."
Katz also stated that Israel would "act at sea, in the air, and on land" against any attempts to break the blockade on Gaza.
HAMAS' STATEMENT
Basim Naim, a member of Hamas' Political Bureau, also made a statement on social media following Katz's remarks. Naim expressed that they hold Israeli leaders responsible for the lives of those who risk their lives in solidarity to break the brutal blockade imposed on Gaza.
Naim noted that Israel's threats targeting actions aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza, whether by sea like the Madleen or by land through several countries, will not deter the will of free people around the world to achieve their goals, emphasizing that "the will of hate, death, and destruction cannot prevail over the will to live."
“THEY ASSIGNED A MISSILE BOAT AND COMMANDO FORCE”
Rima Hassan, a Member of the European Parliament on the ship, also conveyed that they thought the Israeli army would stop them as they approached the coastline. She also stated that Israel would assign a missile boat and an elite commando force to stop their mission.
ISRAEL IS PREPARING TO DEPORT
According to Israeli media, the army plans to intervene with the sailing vessel and deport the activists. According to Israel Channel 12's report, the army has made preparations to stop the sailing vessel before it reaches the Gaza coast.
It was noted that the army plans to intervene with the Madleen before it reaches Gaza, pull it to Ashdod Port, and deport the activists on board.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The 18-meter "Madleen" sailing vessel set sail for Gaza from the San Giovanni Li Cuti Port in Catania on June 1.
Israeli Army Spokesperson Effie Defrin stated in a press release that they were preparing to take action against the ship carrying humanitarian aid to Palestinians struggling with hunger under Israeli attacks in Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's "Conscience" ship was also attacked by drones off the coast of Malta on May 2.