New Delhi: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is sailing toward Gaza with a boat full of humanitarian aid. The 22-year-old climate activist is sailing aboard the Madleen, a vessel that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition operates.
In the vessel, Thunberg is carrying essential supplies for civilians in Gaza who are living in severely distressful conditions due to the Israel-Palestine war. Israel has blocked the strip for more than 90 days and since 2007, it has been under land, sea, and air restrictions. The aid that the boat is carrying includes flour, rice, medical equipment, protein bars, milk, water filters, hygiene products, baby formula, and diapers.
Meanwhile, Israel has said that it is “prepared” to act to prevent the arrival of Thunberg’s boat. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post quoting a senior Israeli defense source, the IDF will not allow the Madleen, to approach or dock in the Gaza Strip.
It’s the 6th day of our journey onboard the Madleen to #breakthesiege of Gaza and create a people’s humanitarian sea corridor! The Freedom Flotilla Coalition will never stop due to the Zionists threats. We know we have billions of people along with the 12 of us on this boat! pic.twitter.com/FfIDDtVbX7
— Thiago Ávila | Gaza Freedom Flotilla (@thiagoavilabr) June 6, 2025
The KAN News has reported that initially, Israel thought of allowing the ship to dock in Gaza after it was determined as unharmful by defence personnel. However, the authorities later changed this decision.
The boat has 12 pro-Palestinian activists on board. Apart from Greta Thunberg, other people in the boat include ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Liam Cunningham, French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan, who has been barred from entering Israel, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila. The group’s mission, in their own words, was a “non-violent, direct action to challenge Israel’s illegal siege and escalating war crimes.”
While en route from Catania in southern Italy, the activists claimed that drones believed to be operated by the Greek Coast Guard followed them. They have urged the international community to ensure their safety. On the other hand, IDF Spokesperson Brig General Effie Defrin told reporters, “For this case as well, we are prepared. We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.” However, he did not mention specifically what actions the Israeli military might take.
