Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enforcing its naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, specifically in response to an aid mission featuring climate activist Greta Thunberg and other proponents of humanitarian assistance.

Katz stated on Sunday that the Israeli government would not permit any breach of the blockade, which has been justified on the grounds of preventing the militant group Hamas from importing weapons.

The vessel, named Madleen and operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Sicily last Sunday.

Its mission aims not only to deliver humanitarian aid but also to spotlight the escalating humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian territory.

The group of 12 activists aboard includes Rima Hassan, a French politician of Palestinian descent who has faced entry restrictions into Israel due to her public opposition to the country's policies towards Palestinians.

The activists had indicated that they intended to arrive at Gaza’s territorial waters as soon as Sunday.

Israel previously enforced a total blockade for three months to exert pressure on Hamas, but began permitting limited aid into Gaza last month.

Humanitarian workers continue to voice concerns about the potential for famine in the region unless both the blockade and ongoing hostilities cease.

Last month, a previous attempt by the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza encountered difficulties when one of their vessels was reportedly targeted by two drones while in international waters near Malta.

The group attributed the incident to Israeli forces, which resulted in damage to the ship’s front section.