Greta Thunberg Sets Sail for Gaza with Activist Crew in Symbolic Aid Mission
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Franco-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan have joined a group of 12 international activists aboard a vessel bound for Gaza, aiming to challenge Israel’s ongoing blockade through a non-violent maritime protest.
The group departed from the Italian port of Catania on Sunday aboard the Madleen, carrying what it described as “limited amounts, though symbolic” humanitarian aid. The journey, coordinated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), is expected to take about seven days—assuming the ship is not intercepted.
This is not the first time the FFC has encountered danger at sea. Earlier this month, another ship operated by the group, the Conscience, was reportedly hit by two drones near Maltese territorial waters. FFC attributed the strike to Israel, though Israeli authorities have not responded to media inquiries.
Thunberg had initially planned to join the Conscience, but shifted to the Madleen following the attack. Speaking at a news conference before departure, Thunberg said the group was undeterred by the risks.
“No matter how dangerous this mission is, it is nowhere near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the lives being genocised,” she said.
“We are doing this because no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying, because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.”
The voyage comes amid mounting concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. According to United Nations agencies, access to the territory remains extremely limited due to Israeli restrictions, looting, and the collapse of civil infrastructure. Aid groups have called the situation the worst in 19 months of war between Israel and Hamas.
Though Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on May 19, allowing some UN-led aid operations to resume, challenges remain. A new U.S.- and Israeli-backed entity, the Gaza
The FFC emphasized that their mission is both humanitarian and political, rejecting labels of charity.
“This is a non-violent, direct action to challenge Israel’s illegal siege and escalating war crimes,” the group said.
Activist Thiago Ávila added that the maritime journey is just one part of a broader effort. The Global March to Gaza, a separate international initiative involving doctors, lawyers, and media members, is preparing to depart from Egypt in mid-June and stage a protest at the Rafah crossing, demanding an end to hostilities and a full reopening of the border.
The Israeli government denies allegations of genocide and insists its actions are in self-defense. However, it faces increasing pressure from global civil society groups and human rights organizations. The FFC joins a growing list of critics seeking to hold Israel accountable for its conduct in Gaza.
With input from Al Jazeera.
