Tel AVIV, Israel (AP) – The Israeli government announced on Sunday its commitment to obstruct aid vessels Greta Samberg as other activists approach the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel would not permit anyone to breach the naval blockade surrounding Palestinian territory, emphasizing its aim to prevent Hamas from importing weaponry.
“To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propagandists – let me be clear: you are not going to Gaza, so turn around,” he reiterated in a statement.
Climate activist Samberg is part of a group of 12 activists aboard the Madrien, operated by the Freedom Frotira coalition. The vessel departed from Sicily last Sunday to raise awareness about the escalating humanitarian crisis, occurring 20 months after the Israeli-Hamas conflict, with the intent to breach the Gaza sea blockade and deliver humanitarian aid.
AP Audio: Israel vows to prevent aid boats carrying Greta Samberg and other activists from reaching Gaza
Associated Press correspondent Julie Walker reports on Gaza Frotira, carrying activists including Mid East Wars and Greta Samberg.
Activists announced plans to reach Gaza by as early as Sunday.
Thiagoavila, a Brazilian activist on the ship, shared a video on social media on Sunday afternoon, noting the presence of tracking and communication equipment approximately 160 nautical miles from Gaza.
Lima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, is present among others. She is barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies concerning Palestinians.
Following a 2.5-month total blockade intended to pressure Hamas, Israel began allowing basic aid into Gaza last month, however, humanitarian workers have raised alarms about hunger unless the blockade is lifted and military actions cease.
Last month’s attempt by the Freedom Fleet to reach Gaza by sea failed when another ship in the group’s fleet was attacked with two drones while in international waters near Malta. The group condemned Israel’s assault, which caused damage to the ship’s bow.
Israel and Egypt have enforced varying levels of blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control from opposing Palestinian factions in 2007.
Israel cut off all aid to Gaza early in the warfare triggered by a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, but later eased restrictions under US pressure. Just recently in early March, Israel ended the ceasefire with Hamas and reinstated a full blockade on all imports, including food, fuel, and medicine.
Hamas-led militants killed roughly 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, during the October 7 attack and took 251 hostages, with more than half released during ceasefire agreements or other negotiations. Hamas still retains 55 hostages, with many presumed dead.
Israel’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. It has not specified whether those killed were civilians or combatants.
The ongoing war has devastated large portions of Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of the population, which is increasingly reliant on international aid.
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Source: apnews.com