Greta Thunberg speaks in Catania, Sicily, on Sunday just before setting sail for Gaza. Photo: AP
Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists have started a sea journey toward Gaza. Their mission is to deliver aid and speak out against the suffering there. The group left from Catania, a port city in southern Italy, on a boat named Madleen. The vessel is part of a larger effort by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
A Risky but Determined Mission
Before leaving, the group held a press conference. Greta became emotional while speaking. “We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,” she said with tears. She added, “The moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.” Greta called the world’s silence worse than the danger they might face on this journey.
Aid Needed Urgently
Gaza remains under tight restrictions. Even though Israel allowed some aid in mid-May, most of the area still lacks food, water, and basic medical help. Experts say famine could hit Gaza soon if more supplies don’t arrive. Aid groups say that it’s hard to deliver anything because of strict controls, lawlessness, and looting in the region.
Well-Known Figures Onboard
The group on Madleen includes Liam Cunningham, an actor from Game of Thrones, and Rima Hassan, a French lawmaker of Palestinian origin. Israel has banned Rima from entering the country because she strongly opposes their actions in Gaza.
Previous Attempts and Setbacks
This isn’t the first sea journey organized by the group. Last month, they tried to send another ship named Conscience to Gaza. However, they say drones attacked the ship off Malta’s coast. The front part of the ship was damaged. The group blamed Israel for this, saying it was an attempt to stop their mission.
Not Just by Sea
Thiago Ávila, another activist, said they are not only trying by sea. He said this is part of a larger global movement. A group of people, including doctors, lawyers, and journalists, plans to march from Egypt to the Rafah crossing. They want to push for peace, demand an end to the blockade, and get the border reopened.
Hope Despite Danger
The trip by sea is expected to take about seven days. But the group knows they may not make it to Gaza. Still, they are ready to try. The activists want to draw the world’s attention back to the suffering in Gaza. They believe that every step, even a small one, matters.
