The Madleen ship, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), is continuing its voyage toward Gaza, carrying humanitarian aid to the besieged territory as the world prays for its safe passage amid Israeli threats.
The Madleen ship, which departed from Italy on Sunday, carrying food, medical supplies, and baby items bound for Gaza, is now sailing in international waters off the coast of Egypt, according to a livetracker on board the vessel.
Israel warned Wednesday that it was “prepared” to “act accordingly” to stop the FFC from reaching Gaza.
US lawmakers urge Trump to ensure safe passage for Madleen
Palestinian-American congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said she was leading a congressional effort urging US President Donald Trump to secure safe transit for the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla.
The letter, co-signed by 10 fellow democrats, explicitly cautioned that “any Israeli attack or interception would be a violation of international law.”
Israel “must lift the blockade, allow for the safe passage of humanitarian aid, and end the forced starvation of Palestinians,” the letter said.
I’m leading a letter to the Trump Administration demanding safe passage for the @GazaFFlotilla to deliver humanitarian aid and food to Gaza. Any interception or attack on this crew is a violation of international law. pic.twitter.com/2wMyMpBveJ
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) June 6, 2025
Tlaib previously warned the international community to watch the flotilla closely as it approaches Gaza, anticipating possible Israeli attacks on the vessel.
Rights group calls on Canada to pressure Israel for Madleen’s safety
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) has called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to “take immediate action” to ensure the safety of the Madleen.
“The Madleen is not a threat. It is a lifeline to a besieged people facing starvation and genocide,” said Michael Bueckert, the group’s acting president, who called upon Canada to commit to imposing sanctions should the flotilla come under attack.
Some 650,706 people have now heeded the activist group’s call to send a letter to the Israeli cabinet, serving as a “formal notice” of the Madleen ship’s planned route to Gaza and a reminder of the regime’s legal obligations under international law.
“The ship is unarmed, poses no threat, and is operating in full accordance with international maritime, humanitarian and human rights law. Its passengers and crew include parliamentarians, journalists, attorneys and human rights defenders representing global civil society,” the letter template said.
This marks the FFC’s second attempt to deliver vital aid to Gaza since May, after Israeli drones attacked their previous vessel, the Conscience, in international waters near Malta.
The FFC is a global, grassroots solidarity movement that came into being in 2010. Comprised of various campaigns and initiatives, it collaborates to bring an end to Israel’s unlawful blockade of Gaza amid the ongoing genocidal war, operating on a people-to-people basis.
Since March 2, the Israeli regime has barred all aid trucks from entering Gaza, deliberately subjecting the 2.3 million civilians to starvation for over 90 days.
Israel has been criticized for using engineered starvation as a tool of war, bringing the entire civilian population to the edge of famine.
