Israeli military ordered to block aid flotilla carrying Greta Thunberg

Katz was referring to the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The U.K.-flagged vessel left Italy earlier this month. The coalition described its mission as a “peaceful act of civil resistance,” aiming to deliver supplies for the people of Gaza, including baby formula, diapers, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches and children’s prosthetics.

The organizers said Sunday afternoon they were “about 160 nautical miles from Gaza.” The ship can be tracked online.

“Israel’s defense minister has once again threatened unlawful force against civilians, attempting to justify violence with baseless smears,” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said on Instagram. “We will not be intimidated.”

Earlier Sunday, at least five people were killed by gunfire on their way to two aid distribution points in Gaza run by an Israeli and U.S.-backed group, the Associated Press reported.