Greta Thunberg Joins Gaza Flotilla, Sparking Controversy

Yesterday (Sunday) Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joined 11 other activists, including Irish actor Liam Cunningham and Franco-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan, aboard the sailing vessel Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

The ship departed from Catania, Sicily, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade, which has been in place since 2007. The FFC described the aid as "limited but symbolic," intended to raise international awareness of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The journey is expected to take seven days, provided the vessel is not intercepted.

This mission follows a failed attempt in early May 2025, when another FFC ship, Conscience, was allegedly struck by drones off Malta’s coast, causing a fire. Thunberg, who was meant to join that voyage, blamed Israel for the attack without evidence, a claim echoed by some activists. The FFC has attempted to breach the blockade for 15 years, with a notable 2010 incident involving the Mavi Marmara, where Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla, resulting in nine deaths.

The mission has sparked controversy. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham posted on X, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!”, a remark criticized as inciting violence. Others, like Sky News Australia’s Danica De Giorgio, mocked Thunberg, with some online comments suggesting she should “stay in Gaza.” Thunberg, wearing a Fontaines D.C. shirt supporting Palestine, emphasized the moral imperative to act, stating, “The moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.”