Israelis threaten 'measures' if Egypt allows aid convoy to reach Rafah
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Israeli Minister Israel Katz warns Egypt to halt the pro-Palestine convoy near Rafah, threatens action if activists reach Gaza as al-Soumoud insists on a peaceful mission.
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A Palestinian carries a bag containing food and humanitarian aid delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed organization, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP)
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz has demanded that Egyptian authorities block the al-Soumoud "resilience" convoy from reaching the Rafah border crossing, labeling the group of international pro-Palestine activists as “jihadists” and claiming they could pose a threat to both Israeli occupation forces and so-called "regional stability."
Katz claimed the convoy endangered the lives of Israeli troops stationed near the border and could spark unrest within Egypt and what he referred to as “moderate” Arab governments across the region.
He stated that if Egypt does not intervene, the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) would take “necessary measures” to prevent the convoy from advancing toward Gaza.
Katz’s remarks reflect growing Israeli concern over the visibility and momentum of solidarity missions aimed at challenging the siege on the Gaza Strip, which has drawn increasing international condemnation amid the occupation’s ongoing war on the besieged enclave.
Peaceful, non-political mission
Despite the accusations, members of the al-Soumoud convoy, which includes humanitarian volunteers and solidarity activists, have reiterated that their mission is peaceful and non-political. They stressed they would not enter Egyptian territory without formal permission, and their sole aim is to apply public pressure to help lift the siege and deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
An Al Mayadeen correspondent traveling with the convoy confirmed that communication with Egyptian officials was still ongoing and reported a sense of growing optimism that the group would be granted access to the Rafah crossing in the coming hours.
This comes after the Israeli occupation Navy confirmed on Monday that the Madleen, a ship carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid headed to Gaza, is being towed to "Israel's" Isdud port, after troops boarded the vessel.
The Madleen ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was about 100 nautical miles (185km) from Gaza when it was hijacked.
'Israel' assaults aid ship
Israeli drones encircled the ship at about 3:00 am local time. The drones began spraying it with a white, paint-like substance before the Israeli commandos eventually took hold of the ship. The nature of the sprayed substance remains unclear.
"Israel’s" Foreign Ministry stated that the boat is en route to Israeli-occupied shores, with passengers expected to return to their home countries.
There were no reports of injuries among the 12 pro-Palestine activists on board, who had been sailing to Gaza to raise awareness and deliver aid. However, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the trip, has lost contact with the vessel. They shared pre-recorded videos from those aboard, asking for assistance from their home countries.
The Madleen departed Sicily on June 1, one month after Israeli drones bombed another aid ship headed for Gaza. Climate activist Greta Thunberg is among the 12 activists now being illegally held by "Israel".
