Amnesty International on Friday urged Israeli authorities to allow the Madleen, the lead vessel of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, to proceed safely and without interference toward the besieged Gaza Strip. This appeal comes as reports surface that the Israeli Navy may intercept the humanitarian flotilla.

“Israeli authorities must immediately lift their unlawful blockade on Gaza, allow and resume the unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance and lifesaving supplies, and #StopTheGenocide,” Amnesty International said.

A similar plea was made by the UN on April, 26 saying: “As the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s ship approaches Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, Israel must adhere to international law and comply with orders from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.“

UN agencies increasingly warn of famine-like conditions in northern Gaza amid systematic deprivation of food, water and medicine. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued provisional measures directing Israel to allow unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Vessels like the Madleen have the right of free passage in international waters. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) prohibits the interception of vessels in international waters without lawful cause.

The Israeli government has not officially confirmed plans to intercept the Madleen, but the threat of naval confrontation echoes the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, in which Israeli forces raided a similar aid flotilla in international waters, killing ten civilians. When asked about the vessel, army spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said, “The navy operates day and night to protect Israel’s maritime space and borders at sea… For this case as well, we are prepared.”