Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz on Sunday ordered the military to intercept the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel headed toward the Gaza Strip, escalating tensions as international activists attempt to break the Israeli siege and deliver urgently needed humanitarian supplies.

The Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily and is currently sailing off the Egyptian coast. It is expected to enter Palestinian territorial waters within the next 24 hours. Onboard are a dozen international activists, including climate justice advocate Greta Thunberg and French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, transporting critical humanitarian cargo: baby formula, flour, medical kits, water filters, feminine hygiene products, and prosthetics for children injured during Israeli assaults.

Katz publicly threatened the vessel's mission, declaring: "I have instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen does not reach Gaza. To the antisemitic Greta and her friends, I say clearly: You should turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."

The Israeli military has reportedly mobilized its naval forces, including the Shayetet 13 commando unit and missile boat divisions, to prepare for a potential interception and arrest of those onboard. Though the vessel remains in international waters, Israeli media have reported that the presence of a European diplomat has thus far delayed direct military action.

Flotilla Standoff

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition affirms the peaceful nature of the voyage, calling it an act of international solidarity intended to confront what they describe as Israel's "illegal, decades-long blockade and ongoing genocide." Organizers stress that Madleen's cargo has been thoroughly inspected and contains only civilian aid.

Human rights observers condemned Katz's rhetoric as inflammatory incitement, warning that any military assault on the Madleen, especially one resulting in harm to civilian passengers such as Thunberg or Hassan, could trigger severe international backlash and constitute a war crime under international law.

The comparison to "Israel's" deadly 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara is growing louder, with legal scholars and humanitarian organizations calling for urgent international monitoring.

Read more: Battles escalate in Khan Younis as al-Qassam confronts IOF