Israeli navy set to block Gaza-bound activist boat defying siege

Israel is preparing to block a boat carrying international activists, including high-profile figures, as it attempts to breach the long-standing Israeli blockade of Gaza - a siege that rights groups have long denounced as collective punishment.

The vessel, named Madleen, is part of a mission to challenge the naval closure imposed by Israel on the besieged Palestinian enclave. Among those on board are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan.

The Israeli military has already begun tracking the ship’s journey, according to unnamed defence officials cited by The Times of Israel. 

Israeli officials say they will intercept the boat before it enters waters claimed by Israel but belonging to Gaza.

In a brief statement, the Israeli military said it is “enforcing the maritime security blockade on the Gaza Strip” and is “prepared and ready for a wide range of scenarios” in line with government orders.

The blockade, imposed since 2007, has turned Gaza into what the UN has repeatedly described as an “open-air prison.” Aid groups say it severely limits access to food, fuel, medical supplies, and the freedom of movement for over two million Palestinians.