Freedom Flotilla will not be allowed to dock in Gaza, Israeli sources confirm

The IDF decided that the "Madleen," which is sailing to Gaza and carrying 12 pro-Palestinian activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, will not be allowed to approach or dock in the Gaza Strip, a senior Israeli defense source confirmed to The Jerusalem Post, adding that Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to make more decisions on Thursday, Report informs.

The ship is expected to arrive within a week.

According to KAN, the public broadcaster, Israel initially considered allowing the ship to dock in Gaza after security officials determined it did not pose a threat. However, authorities later reversed this decision.

IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters at a press conference: “The IDF is prepared to operate on all fronts, including in the maritime arena,” adding: “We will act accordingly.”

If permitted to dock, the activists would have been stranded in Gaza. To avoid setting a precedent that could undermine the blockade, Israel decided not to allow the Madleen to approach Gaza.

The "Madleen," organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily on Sunday carrying humanitarian aid including baby formula, diapers, flour, rice, water filters, hygiene products, and medical equipment.