Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins aid ship sailing to Gaza

Climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other campaigners set sail from southern Italy on Sunday, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade of the war-torn region.

The group boarded the sailing boat Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The vessel departed from Catania, Sicily, and is bound for the Gaza Strip. Their goal: to raise global awareness and deliver humanitarian aid despite the high risks.

“We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,” Thunberg said in a tearful press conference. “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 live-streamed genocide.”

Thunberg’s comments drew international attention. Israel has firmly denied allegations of genocide, calling them a form of antisemitic "blood libel."

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. Experts and UN agencies warn the territory faces famine. Gaza's 2 million residents have little access to basic necessities, and aid deliveries remain severely restricted.

In mid-May, Israel allowed a small amount of aid into Gaza. However, groups on the ground say that isn’t enough. Looting, lawlessness, and Israeli restrictions make consistent delivery nearly impossible.

Joining Thunberg are high-profile figures including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and French MEP Rima Hassan. Hassan, who is of Palestinian descent, has been banned from entering Israel for opposing its military operations in Gaza.

This is not the coalition’s first attempt. Last month, Thunberg was scheduled to join another ship, Conscience. That mission failed after drones allegedly attacked the vessel near Malta, damaging its bow. The activists blamed Israel for the strike.

The Israeli government maintains its blockade is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and kidnapped 251 others. Israel claims 58 hostages remain, with 23 believed alive.

In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign. Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 52,000 Palestinians have died, mostly women and children. The bombardment has flattened much of the region, leaving most residents homeless.

Despite the dangers, the activists aboard the Madleen expect to reach Gaza in about seven days—if they aren’t intercepted.

“We are breaking the siege of Gaza by sea,” said Thiago Avila, another activist. “But that’s part of a broader strategy.”

Avila pointed to the Global March to Gaza, an international protest effort expected to leave Egypt in mid-June. The marchers—doctors, lawyers, and media among them—plan to gather at the Rafah crossing to demand an end to the war and the reopening of the border.

Thunberg, known globally for her climate advocacy, has broadened her mission. Her participation signals growing international pressure on Israel to ease its grip on Gaza and allow more aid to flow.

“The world is watching,” one campaigner said. “We won’t be silent.”

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