After crossing Egypt, Madleen flotilla now closes to Gaza

Madleen, the Gaza aid ship launched by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), Saturday crossed the Egyptian coast and is now nearing the Gaza Strip, the organizers said

Mediterranean Sea: Madleen, the Gaza aid ship launched by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), Saturday crossed the Egyptian coast and is now nearing the Gaza Strip, the organizers said.

The vessel is carrying 12 international activists including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and French-Palestinian Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan.

The Madleen flotilla started its journey from Catania in Italy on June 1, 2025. It was scheduled to reach Gaza today i.e. Saturday June 07, 2025. However, it got delayed due to persistent threat from the Israeli forces.

Israeli threats

Named after the first Palestinian fisherwman Madleen Kulab who ran her father’s fishing business after he was injured in a 2009 Israeli attack, the Gaza flotilla was launched a month after Conscience flotilla was destroyed by Israel.

Conscience flotilla was attacked by Israeli drones in European waters on May 2, 2025, in violation of international law, where it remains stranded.

Madleen FFC aid ship too was targeted by Israeli drones at least two times in the last three days. The Zionist regime in Israel has announced to forcibly stop the aid ship.

"The humanitarian aid ship Flotilla, en route to Gaza, is currently under threat from the Israeli military. Israel has announced its intention to intercept the vessel, placing the lives of the human rights activists on board in serious danger", the group said.

"Protected Vessel"

The activists onboard the aid ship have called on the international powers, including the United Kingdom for its protection. The Madleen is a UK flagged civilian ship and is protected under international maritime law.

The group said it remains in contact with international legal and human rights bodies to ensure the safety of those on board, warning that any interception would constitute “a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.”

As per the Freedom Flotilla FFC Tracker, Madleen aid ship is closing in on Gaza Strip, and if goes well, will reach the besieged Palestinian enclave Sunday June 08, 2025.

However, the Israeli Navy is expected to block the vessel should it enter Israel’s territorial waters. Clashes aboard the Madleen would likely spark public and diplomatic outrage, The Times of Israel reported.

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