Israel intercepts 'Madeline' aid ship bound for Gaza

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the crew of the 'Madeline' have been taken to Israel after the vessel was intercepted in international waters. The ship is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and Israeli commandos seized it when it was about 100 miles (161 kilometers) off the coast of Gaza. The 'Madeline' was carrying humanitarian aid supplies intended for Palestinians facing starvation due to the ongoing blockade inside Gaza.

Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on March 2, which has been partially relaxed under international pressure. More than 54,000 people have already been killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks amid the current war situation. Notably, the Gaza Strip has been blockaded by land, sea, and air since 2007. The 'Madeline' set sail from the Sicily region of Italy on June 1. A month earlier, Israeli drones attacked another aid ship headed for Gaza.

World-renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg is among the 12 peaceful activists detained today. This incident has sparked a storm of international condemnation, and Israel has faced severe criticism for obstructing humanitarian aid operations.