JERUSALEM — Israel has instructed its military to intercept the Madleen aid ship heading to Gaza, carrying activists including Greta Thunberg. Defence Minister Israel Katz called the group “Hamas propaganda mouthpieces” and insisted the blockade remains to prevent weapons reaching militants.

The ship, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, left Italy on June 1 and is nearing Gaza via Egyptian waters. Activists aboard, including European MP Rima Hassan, vow to press on with their mission, claiming only humanitarian supplies are onboard.

Tensions rise as deadly clashes continue in Gaza, with Israeli forces opening fire near an aid centre in Rafah, killing at least 10, including five civilians. Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed the death of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar, whose body was found under a hospital emergency room in Khan Yunis.