Israeli naval forces surrounded the humanitarian ship "Madeleen" early Monday as it sailed through international waters towards Gaza, part of the Freedom Flotilla’s mission to challenge the 17-year blockade on the besieged strip.  

Witnesses on board reported that five Israeli military boats encircled the vessel, with soldiers demanding the ship halt its course. Crew members reiterated that their cargo consisted solely of medical and food supplies for Gaza’s starving population.  

Alarms blared across the deck as passengers, fearing an imminent assault, donned life jackets. The ship’s lights were switched off as a precaution, leaving those aboard in tense darkness.  

Francesca Albanese, the UN’s human rights rapporteur for Palestine, confirmed the Israeli interception, stressing that the mission was peaceful and aimed at delivering urgently needed aid. Palestinian solidarity groups have called on the UK, France, and the international community to intervene, warning of a potential repeat of the deadly 2010 raid on the "Mavi Marmar".  

As Israel continues its blockade, Gaza faces unprecedented famine, with over 35,000 Palestinians killed in recent Israeli bombardments. The Madeleen’s fate remains uncertain as global pressure mounts to protect unarmed humanitarian missions.