The Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip has been a contentious issue in international relations, with far-reaching consequences for the 2 million Palestinians living there. The recent interception of the aid ship Madleen is the latest example of this ongoing crisis.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, labeling it a propaganda effort in support of Hamas. This move has been met with criticism from human rights groups such as Amnesty International, which accuses Israel of preventing aid from entering Gaza.
The blockade, which has been in place since 2007, has resulted in over 54,880 Palestinian deaths, according to the health ministry. The UN has warned of its devastating impact on the population, including concerns of starvation among Gaza's residents.
The interception of the Madleen is not an isolated incident. A failed attempt by another aid ship to reach Gaza was also blamed on Israel, highlighting the risks faced by aid ships attempting to reach the region.