Greta Thunberg Joins Gaza Aid Flotilla, Israel Vows to Block Entry

Stockholm, June 8, 2025 – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has set sail aboard the Madleen, a UK-registered aid vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, in an attempt to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza and challenge Israel’s longstanding maritime blockade. The mission, which includes 12 activists such as “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, has ignited intense international debate and drawn sharp condemnation from Israeli officials.

The Madleen departed from Sicily on June 1, loaded with essential supplies including baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches, and children’s prosthetics for Palestinians facing acute shortages amid ongoing conflict and a near-total blockade. As the ship approached the coast of Egypt and neared Gaza’s territorial waters, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to intercept the vessel, reiterating that no breach of the blockade would be tolerated. “To Greta the antisemite and her companions, Hamas propaganda mouthpieces, I say clearly: turn back because you will not reach Gaza,” Katz declared in a statement.

Thunberg, 22, acknowledged the risks involved, referencing previous flotilla attempts that ended in violence and fatalities. “We understand that this is a very dangerous endeavor, and past flotilla efforts have led to assaults, violence, and even fatalities. However, none of these dangers come close to the daily risks faced by Palestinians simply trying to survive,” she told CNN. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a grassroots group advocating for an end to the blockade, insists that both legal and moral grounds support their mission, arguing that the people of Gaza have the right to receive aid and determine who enters their territory.

The Israeli navy, including its elite Shayetet 13 unit, has begun preparations to board the vessel if necessary, with the flotilla’s organizers planning to livestream any potential interception. The activists remain resolute, with organizer Yasemin Acar stating, “We are still en route to Gaza. There’s no turning back, and we hope to make it there within two days”.

The mission has sparked controversy worldwide. Supporters hail Thunberg’s participation as an act of solidarity and humanitarian commitment, while critics—including some Israeli and U.S. officials—accuse her of spreading propaganda and undermining Israel’s security. The incident comes amid a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where aid agencies warn of escalating famine and widespread shortages despite limited recent easing of the blockade.

This latest effort echoes a deadly 2010 flotilla incident and underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza’s isolation. As the Madleen edges closer to its destination, the world watches to see whether the activists’ bid to break the blockade will succeed or be halted by Israeli forces.