ISLAMABAD: In a bold act of protest and solidarity, climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham have joined a humanitarian mission aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
The vessel, named Madleen, departed from the Italian port city of Catania on Sunday, carrying symbolic but vital aid supplies for Palestinians trapped under siege.
Organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the 12-person volunteer crew expects to take seven days to reach the Gaza coast.
This mission comes just weeks after another of FFC’s ships, Conscience, was reportedly attacked by drones near Maltese waters — an act the coalition attributed to Israel.
Although Israel has not responded to these claims, the attack heightened security concerns for any future missions.
‘We Cannot Stay Silent’
Greta Thunberg, known globally for her climate activism, expressed the urgency and moral imperative behind the voyage. “The moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity,” she told reporters.
“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 genocided.”
FFC emphasized that this journey is more than humanitarian relief — it’s a political act of civil resistance. “This is not charity. This is non-violent, direct action to challenge Israel’s illegal siege and escalating war crimes,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
Aid Blockade Sparks Global Criticism
The UN recently described the Gaza crisis as the worst since October 2023. Though Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade under international pressure, the new aid channel — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — has drawn criticism.
Many international aid organizations, including the UN, have refused to cooperate with it, citing concerns over neutrality and forced displacement of Palestinians.
With more than 2 million people suffering under restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies, efforts like this voyage are seen by supporters as vital in keeping international attention focused on Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
