Israel preparing to intercept aid vessel 'Madleen' before it enters Gaza waters: Israeli media

By Ahmed Asmar

The Israeli Navy is preparing to intercept the humanitarian vessel "Madleen" as it approaches Gaza’s waters, with plans to forcibly redirect it to Ashdod port, Israel’s Channel 12 reported Sunday.

The military aims to halt the ship before it enters Gaza’s territorial waters, citing its enforcement of the naval blockade, the news channel reported.

The activists on board will be handed over to Israeli authorities for deportation, Channel 12 also reported.

The operation follows Israel’s earlier vow to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza, fearing it would set a precedent for future blockade-breaking attempts.