Overview

• The Madleen departed Sicily on June 1 with Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham and 10 other activists carrying a symbolic shipment of milk, protein bars and medical supplies intended for Gaza.
• Brigadier General Effie Defrin, speaking for the Israeli military, reaffirmed that troops would “act accordingly” based on past flotilla interceptions without detailing specific measures.
• Activists aboard the Madleen say they have been trailed by drones believed to be operated by Greek or Israeli forces as the ship makes its way toward Gaza’s coastal blockade.
• In early May, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of attacking another of its vessels, the Conscience, with drone strikes off Malta, highlighting rising tensions.
• The mission underscores growing global concern over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with UN agencies warning that the blockade has pushed the territory toward famine.