Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins Gaza-bound aid ship to challenge Israeli blockade

Climate activist, Greta Thunberg, has joined a group of 11 other human rights advocates aboard a ship bound for Gaza in a symbolic mission aimed at breaking Israels blockade and delivering humanitarian aid to the war-torn region. The vessel, named Madleen, sailed on Sunday, June 1, from the port of Catania in Sicily, Italy. Operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the ship is part of a broader international effort to raise awareness about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where aid groups warn of looming famine and widespread devastation after nearly 19 months of conflict.Speaking at a press conference before departure, Thunberg broke down in tears as she explained her motivation for joining the mission. We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying, she said. The moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, its not even close to the danger of remaining silent in the face of a livestreamed genocide.Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide.Although Israel slightly eased its blockade in May by allowing limited humanitarian aid into Gaza, UN agencies and aid organizations report that ongoing restrictions, lawlessness, and looting continue to obstruct meaningful aid delivery to the regions estimated 2 million people.Joining Thunberg on the voyage are several notable figures, including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent. Hassan has previously been barred from entering Israel due to her vocal opposition to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.The activists estimate the journey could take about seven daysunless intercepted.This marks Thunbergs second attempt to join a flotilla to Gaza. She was scheduled to board a previous Freedom Flotilla mission last month, which was aborted after another vessel, Conscience, was allegedly struck by two drones in international waters near Malta. The group has accused Israel of carrying out the attack, which left the ships front section damaged.This mission is part of a larger strategy to break the siege by both sea and land, said activist Thiago vila. He referenced the Global March to Gaza, an international initiative expected to include doctors, lawyers, and media representatives. The march is set to depart from Egypt and reach the Rafah crossing in mid-June, where participants plan to hold a protest demanding an end to the Israeli offensive and the reopening of the border. The post Climate activist Greta Thunberg joins Gaza-bound aid ship to challenge Israeli blockade appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.