Thunberg said she joined the Madleen crew to "challenge Israel's illegal siege and escalating war crimes" in Gaza and highlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid.

Israel’s government has vowed to prevent an aid boat carrying Greta Thunberg and other activists from reaching the Gaza Strip.

Israel won’t allow a flotilla of activists — including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg — sailing toward the Gaza Strip to reach the coastal enclave, Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday.