Overview

• The Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed Catania, Sicily, on June 1 carrying a symbolic load of milk and protein bars for Gaza.
• Activists on board include climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, actor Liam Cunningham and MEP Rima Hassan, who is barred from entering Israel.
• IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin cited past flotilla confrontations and said Israel is “prepared” to enforce its maritime blockade.
• Organisers describe the voyage as a non-violent protest against what they call an “illegal siege” as Gaza endures severe hunger and supply shortages.
• Previous attempts saw a Freedom Flotilla vessel damaged by alleged drone strikes off Malta in May and Israeli forces storming a flotilla ship in 2010.