The New York Post reported that Israel has issued a stern warning to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group of activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, as they sail toward Gaza on a vessel named Madleen.

The ship, which departed from Catania, Italy, on June 1, aims to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s military has stated it is “prepared” to intervene, with an IDF spokesperson declaring, “For this case as well, we are prepared,” signaling readiness to halt the flotilla’s progress.

The Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carries a symbolic amount of aid, including milk and protein bars, with the goal of raising international awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Thunberg, joined by 11 other activists, has been seen engaging in lighthearted activities on board, such as filming social media content while wearing a keffiyeh and holding a Palestinian flag.

However, the mood has been tempered by reports of drones shadowing the vessel, initially mistaken for Israeli surveillance but later identified as Greek coast guard devices.

Israel’s naval blockade, in place since 2007, is described by officials as a necessary measure to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas, the group controlling Gaza.

The New York Post notes that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have a history of intercepting such flotillas, citing past raids on similar missions.

The IDF’s Brigadier General Effie Defrin emphasized their experience in handling such situations, stating, “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”

The flotilla’s journey follows a failed attempt in May 2025, when another Freedom Flotilla vessel, the Conscience, was reportedly attacked by drones off the coast of Malta, an incident the group attributed to Israel.

The current mission, expected to take seven days to reach Gaza if unimpeded, is part of a broader strategy to pressure Israel, including a planned “Global March to Gaza” at the Rafah crossing in mid-June.

Thunberg’s participation has drawn significant attention, with her emotional plea before departure underscoring the mission’s urgency: “We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying.”

The New York Post highlights the controversy surrounding the flotilla, noting Israel’s firm stance against what it perceives as provocative actions, while activists argue their mission is a nonviolent protest against Gaza’s dire humanitarian conditions.

As the Madleen continues its journey, the world watches closely, with tensions high and the potential for confrontation looming. The outcome of this mission could further shape the discourse around Israel’s blockade and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.