All about ‘Madleen’, Gaza-bound ship with 12 activists, including Greta Thunberg

A ship named ‘Madleen’, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), is currently en route to Gaza from Catania, Italy.  The ship is carrying humanitarian aid and has 12 international activists on board.

The mission aims to deliver relief supplies to the Palestine, where humanitarian aid has been largely blocked by Israeli authorities since the escalation of conflict in Gaza.

Among the high-profile activists on board is Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg, alongside other international activist including Thiago Ávila (Brazil), Rima Hassan, Suayb Ordu, Mark Van Rennes, Baptiste Andre, Pascal Maurieas, Reva Viard, Serigo Torbia, Omar Faiad, Yanis Mhamdi, and Yasemin Acar.

As the ship nears Gaza, Israeli authorities have reportedly warned that any unauthorised vessel attempting to enter Gaza’s waters risks being intercepted. There is concern the activists could face detention or deportation, as Israel continues to impose a full blockade on aid entering Gaza.

Israeli officials maintain that any attempt to breach the naval blockade is illegal without prior coordination, even for humanitarian reasons, as per reports.

The Madleen is expected to approach Gaza by June 7, and global attention is focused on whether Israel will allow the ship to dock or block its entry.

Earlier during its voyage, the Madleen responded to a mayday distress call in the Central Mediterranean after being alerted by a Frontex drone. The crew encountered a rapidly deflating vessel carrying 30-40 refugees. After launching a rescue boat, the Madleen was confronted by the Libyan Coast Guard vessel Tareq Bin Zayed, notorious for human rights violations.

Fearing a forced return to Libya, four refugees jumped into the sea and were rescued by the Madleen. The crew issued an emergency mayday for itself, citing threats to those onboard and potential violations of international law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face serious harm.

The Madleen’s crew has pledged to protect those rescued and is calling on international authorities to prevent the forced return of asylum seekers to Libya.

The movement has gained widespread online support under the hashtag #Alleyesonfreedomflotillacoalition. Supporters continue to track the Madleen’s position and share updates as the ship nears Gaza.