In a bold initiative to challenge Israel’s blockade, climate activist Greta Thunberg, along with 11 other activists, embarked on a maritime journey toward Gaza on Sunday. Their vessel, a sailing boat named Madleen, is operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Departing from Catania’s port in southern Italy, the group seeks to deliver aid and spotlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Prior to their departure, the group held a press conference to outline their mission. Thunberg, visibly emotional, expressed the urgency of their mission, stating the importance of continuing their efforts despite significant challenges. She emphasized the need to protest global inaction in the face of what she described as a dire situation.
Israel has firmly dismissed accusations of genocide, labeling such claims as antisemitic slanders. However, in May, the Israeli government slightly lifted its blockade, allowing limited aid into Gaza, which experts caution could face famine without further assistance. U.N. agencies and aid organizations struggle to provide aid due to Israeli restrictions, lawlessness, and looting within the territory which houses approximately 2 million residents.
Accompanying Thunberg are notable figures such as “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French European Parliament member of Palestinian descent who has been barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. The journey to Gaza is anticipated to last about a week, contingent on whether the group’s progress is impeded.
Previously, Thunberg intended to join a prior flotilla mission in May, which ended in failure after the group’s vessel, the “Conscience”, was allegedly attacked by drones off Malta’s coast. Responsibility for the attack, which damaged the ship, was attributed to Israel by the organizers, marking another skirmish in efforts to assist Gaza, ravaged by nearly 19 months of conflict.
Israel maintains that the blockade serves as leverage to press Hamas into releasing hostages captured during their assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The assault resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 people by Hamas. The prevailing situation sees 58 hostages still held, with 23 believed to be alive. In retaliation, Israel launched an offensive that, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, has resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, largely women and children, and left entire communities without homes.
The Flotilla group’s accusations against Israel are not isolated, with increasing voices accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Israeli government counters that their military operations target militant factions, specifically Hamas, rather than civilians. Activist Thiago Avila underscored that breaking the maritime blockade is part of broader mobilizations. An upcoming initiative, the Global March to Gaza, aims to bring international attention, drawing in participants from various professions to protest at the Rafah crossing in mid-June, calling for an end to hostilities and reopening of border crossings.