Maritime aid vessel encounters technical difficulties near Gaza coast

The cargo ship Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is experiencing communications disruptions as it approaches Gaza’s coastal waters.

The vessel carries 12 international volunteers and humanitarian supplies, according to the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza.

The ship is currently several kilometres from its stated destination. Crew members report ongoing technical issues with navigation and communication equipment. Aerial surveillance has been observed in the area for multiple hours.

Dr Baptiste André, a French medical professional aboard the vessel, confirmed the crew maintains contact with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other international organisations. The ship transports approximately one tonne of medical equipment.

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg, also travelling with the mission, stated the crew anticipates reaching Gaza within one to two days. She called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and the lifting of maritime restrictions around Gaza.

Israeli authorities have announced plans to intercept the vessel before it enters what they designate as Israeli territorial waters. Israel Hayom reported that naval forces conducted exercises off the Ashdod coast in preparation for potential maritime operations. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant authorised military personnel to prevent the Madeleine from reaching Gaza, citing the blockade as necessary to prevent weapons smuggling to Hamas. Israeli officials characterise the mission as politically motivated rather than purely humanitarian.

Video footage circulated online shows Israeli youth on a boat making hostile comments directed at Thunberg and the crew members. The individuals in the video disputed the mission’s humanitarian objectives.

The Madeleine is the 36th vessel in the Freedom Flotilla initiative, an international campaign that began in 2010 to challenge the naval blockade around Gaza. The ship departed from Catania, Italy, in early June. It is named after Madeleine Kulab, a Gaza fisher who died with her father during military operations in the territory in October 2023.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​