Israeli Navy expected to block ‘Freedom Flotilla’ protest ship headed for Gaza

By Emanuel Fabian

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6 June 2025, 9:40 am

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Climate activist Greta Thunberg boards the Madleen boat before setting sail for Gaza along with activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departing from the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy, June 1, 2025. (AP/Salvatore Cavalli)

The Israeli Navy is expected to block a high-profile activist mission sailing to Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade, should it near Israeli territorial waters in the coming days.

Among those aboard the boat, named Madleen, are climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham, French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan — who has been barred from entering Israel — and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila.

Israeli defense officials tell The Times of Israel that they are monitoring the boat’s route, as it heads on a detour to pick up Sudanese migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean.

Still, if it continues on its route to Gaza, it will be intercepted by the Navy, the officials say. The boat may be towed to the Ashdod Port or be left at sea, the Kan public broadcaster reported earlier this week.

The IDF, in response to a query, says that it is “enforcing the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip, and is prepared and ready for a wide range of scenarios that it will handle in accordance with the political echelon guidelines.”