'Israeli' military prepares to block Gaza-bound freedom flotilla

Israeli Occupation Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday that he had instructed military forces to take all necessary measures to prevent the aid ship Madleen from reaching the shores of Gaza.

Katz stated that "Israel will act against any attempt to break the siege or deliver aid; by sea, by air, or by land." In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he warned: “It’s better you turn back, you will not reach Gaza.”

His remarks come amid growing concerns expressed by the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, which accused 'Israeli' forces of deliberately disrupting the signal and location of the Madleen as it nears Palestinian waters off the coast of Gaza. The committee described the interference as “dangerous” and a direct threat to the safety of the activists on board.

The Madleen is carrying humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, crutches, prosthetics for children, and water filters.

The committee urged the international community to intervene immediately to ensure the ship’s safe passage and warned that any escalation could endanger both the activists and civilians in Gaza.

They added that jamming the ship's signals violates international law, which protects freedom of navigation and the delivery of humanitarian aid.