Monday, June 2, 2025 - Climate activist, Greta Thunberg, has joined a group of 11 other human rights advocates aboard a ship bound for Gaza in a symbolic mission aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade and delivering humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.
The vessel, named Madleen, sailed on Sunday, June 1, from
the port of Catania in Sicily, Italy. Operated by the Freedom Flotilla
Coalition, the ship is part of a broader international effort to raise
awareness about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where aid groups warn
of looming famine and widespread devastation after nearly 19 months of
conflict.
Speaking at a press conference before departure, Thunberg
broke down in tears as she explained her motivation for joining the mission.
“We are
doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep
trying,” she said. “The moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And
no matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s not even close to the danger of
remaining silent in the face of a livestreamed genocide.”
Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide.
Although Israel slightly eased its blockade in May by
allowing limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, UN agencies and aid organizations
report that ongoing restrictions, lawlessness, and looting continue to obstruct
meaningful aid delivery to the region’s estimated 2 million people.
Joining Thunberg on the voyage are several notable figures,
including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French
member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent. Hassan has previously
been barred from entering Israel due to her vocal opposition to the Israeli
offensive in Gaza.
The activists estimate the journey could take about seven
days—unless intercepted.
This marks Thunberg’s second attempt to join a flotilla to
Gaza. She was scheduled to board a previous Freedom Flotilla mission last
month, which was aborted after another vessel, Conscience, was allegedly struck
by two drones in international waters near Malta. The group has accused Israel
of carrying out the attack, which left the ship’s front section damaged.
“This
mission is part of a larger strategy to break the siege by both sea and land,”
said activist Thiago Ávila. He referenced the Global March to Gaza, an
international initiative expected to include doctors, lawyers, and media
representatives. The march is set to depart from Egypt and reach the Rafah
crossing in mid-June, where participants plan to hold a protest demanding an
end to the Israeli offensive and the reopening of the border.
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