Israel’s government on Sunday said it would block an aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists from reaching the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel would not allow the vessel to break its naval blockade on Gaza, which is intended to stop Hamas from importing weapons. “To the antisemitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propagandists — you should turn back, because you will not make it to Gaza,” Katz declared. Thunberg, a climate activist, is one of 12 activists aboard the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The boat left Sicily last Sunday with the goal of breaking the blockade and delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, while highlighting the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The activists had planned to reach Gaza’s waters by Sunday. However, Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist on board, reported that their tracking and communication devices were being jammed approximately 160 nautical miles from Gaza. Among the passengers is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, who has been barred from entering Israel due to her stance against Israeli policies towards Palestinians. Israel recently allowed some basic aid into Gaza after a two and a half total blockade intended to pressure Hamas. Humanitarian workers have warned of a famine unless the blockade is lifted. Last month, another Freedom Flotilla vessel attempting to reach Gaza was attacked by drones, which the group attributed to Israel. Following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel sealed off Gaza from all aid but later relented under US pressure. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, leaving the Gaza population heavily reliant on international aid.