A humanitarian flotilla, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, is scheduled to depart from Barcelona on Sunday to challenge the blockade of Gaza. The “Global Sumud Flotilla” aims to establish a humanitarian corridor and end what it calls the “ongoing genocide.” The mission, anticipating arrival in mid-September, is expected to be the largest solidarity mission in history, with additional vessels departing from other Mediterranean ports. Simultaneous demonstrations will occur in numerous countries, as this is not the first attempt, with previous attempts resulting in interception and detention by Israeli forces.
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An Israeli naval interception of the “Madleen,” an aid ship bound for Gaza carrying prominent activists including Greta Thunberg and Liam Cunningham, resulted in the detention of all those onboard and their transport to Israel. The Israeli government justified the action, citing the illegality of breaching the Gaza blockade and framing the flotilla as a publicity stunt, while the Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the interception as a violation of international law. The ship, attempting to deliver aid amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, was reportedly surrounded by quadcopters and had its communications jammed. Following the interception, Israel’s defense minister ordered the activists to view videos of recent Hamas attacks.
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Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened to use any necessary force to prevent the *Madleen*, a ship carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and other activists, from reaching Gaza. The *Madleen*, which departed from Sicily, aims to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s sea blockade. Katz’s statement follows a previous failed attempt by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and comes amidst warnings of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to ongoing conflict and blockades. The activists’ planned arrival in Gaza’s territorial waters is anticipated this coming Sunday.
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The Freedom Flotilla, attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, was attacked by drones, resulting in a fire and significant hull damage to the Conscience ship. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned the attack, demanding accountability for the violation of international law, citing the ongoing blockade of Gaza. The incident echoes a 2010 attack on a similar flotilla, highlighting a pattern of violence against aid efforts. While the drone’s origin remains unconfirmed, the coalition implied Israeli responsibility, connecting the attack to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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John Q. Hosedrinker