On June 1, 2025, climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham joined a humanitarian mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) aboard the vessel Madleen, departing from Catania, Italy. The mission aims to deliver symbolic aid and protest Israel’s blockade of Gaza. This follows a previous attempt in May, when another FFC ship, the Conscience, was reportedly attacked by drones near Maltese waters—a strike for which FFC blames Israel, though Israel has not provided a comment.
Thunberg described the effort as a stand against global inaction amid what she termed a “live-streamed genocide.” The Gaza conflict has resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread destruction, and looming famine risks. Israel recently eased the blockade slightly, but aid efforts remain hindered by security concerns and logistical challenges.
The mission has drawn criticism, including a mocking response from U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who posted on X, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!”
The activists plan a seven-day voyage unless intercepted and are also supporting broader mobilization efforts, including the upcoming Global March to Gaza from Egypt to the Rafah crossing.