Israel tells aid ship to change course as it nears Gaza

• A boat carrying aid for Gaza, with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg onboard, is approaching the coast of the Palestinian territory
• The ship is carrying desperately-needed humanitarian supplies for the Gaza Strip, where the UN has warned that the entire population is at risk of famine
• Israel said Sunday that it would not allow the Madleen to reach Gaza, warning it to turn back
• French MEP Rima Hassan, who is also on board, said Sunday that they would continue "until the last minute"
• Early on Monday, the Freedom Flotilla Coaltion's ship said it was being surrounded by quadcopters and was coming "under assault" from Israeli forces
• Israel's Navy has said it instructed the vessel to "change course" away from Gaza

Follow DW for updates on the situation in Gaza, Israel and the wider Middle East region on Monday, June 9, 2025:

06/09/2025June 9, 2025

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Karl Sexton | Rana Taha

The ship is trying to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged enclave, where the UN has warned of a looming famineImage: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/picture alliance

A ship carrying humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip is approaching the Palestinian enclave, which is under an Israeli blockade.

In addition to much-need supplies, the British-flagged Madleen is carrying climate advocate Greta Thunberg and several other activists.

As it neared Gaza early on Monday morning, the occupants aboard the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's ship said it was coming "under assault" from Israeli forces and was surrounded by quadcopters.

Israel's Navy has said it has told the aid ship to change course.

On Sunday, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said that he had instructed the military to stop the ship from reaching Gaza, warning "the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends" to turn back.

We'll bring you the latest developments on the situation in Gaza and the wider Middle East region on Monday, June 9, 2025.