Climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists have set sail for Gaza on a vessel aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of the territory, organisers confirmed. The sailing boat Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Catania, Sicily, on Sunday. It seeks to deliver aid and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis.
Thunberg, speaking at a press conference before departure, broke down in tears. “We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,” she said. “Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And, no matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the livestreamed genocide.”
Also on board are Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and French MEP Rima Hassan, who has been barred from entering Israel for opposing its assault on Gaza. The journey is expected to take seven days, unless the vessel is intercepted. A previous attempt in May failed after the group’s ship Conscience was allegedly attacked by two drones in international waters off Malta, which the group blamed on Israel.
Israel slightly eased its blockade in mid-May, allowing limited aid, but UN agencies warn that Gaza faces famine without more deliveries. The flotilla’s activists also highlighted a forthcoming Global March to Gaza, aiming to reach the Rafah crossing in June to demand Israel reopen the border.
