Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is on a ship heading toward Gaza. The vessel is part of a protest against Israel’s naval blockade. Israel says it is monitoring the ship closely and is ready to respond.
The ship, named Madleen, left from Catania, Sicily, on Sunday. It carries members of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of pro-Palestinian activists. They plan to reach Gaza by Saturday and break the blockade.
Greta Thunberg, 22 years old, is aboard the ship. She shared photos of herself wearing a keffiyeh and holding a Palestinian flag. The group says their trip is a peaceful protest against what they call Israel’s illegal siege and war crimes in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that they are tracking the ship and prepared to act. They have experience from previous incidents but did not specify what actions they might take.
At sea, Thunberg and fellow activist Thiago Avila posted a video saying they saw a drone above them. They later found out it belonged to the Hellenic Coast Guard, not Israel.
The ship carries a small amount of aid, including milk and protein bars. Organizers say this is mostly symbolic to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
This voyage follows an earlier attempt by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Their previous ship, Conscience, was reportedly damaged by a drone strike on May 2 before it could pick up Thunberg in Malta. The group blamed Israel, but Israel has not publicly commented.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham reacted to Thunberg’s participation with criticism on social media.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition includes several NGOs, some of which were involved in the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident. That event involved a violent clash between Israeli forces and activists, resulting in the deaths of nine people.
Israel maintains its blockade is necessary to stop weapons and dual-use materials from reaching Hamas, which controls Gaza. The blockade has been in place since 2007. Critics say it causes great suffering to civilians.
The international community is watching closely as the ship approaches Gaza. Supporters see it as an act of solidarity, while others warn it could increase tensions.
