Greta Thunberg, the Swedish, world-famous climate activist has set out on another journey. She has been carrying humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza on the ship Madleen. On June 1, it left the Sicilian port of Catania. It carried a very important cargo of rice and emergency infant formula. Thunberg is joined by ten other activists from various countries, including Germany, France, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands.
This voyage will be her second attempt to join the Freedom Flotilla. Just weeks ago, drones attacked her boat, the Conscience, bombing that ship and leaving it disabled in international waters off the coast of Malta. These activists are dead-set on challenging Israel’s blockade on Gaza. They hope to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding for the residents there.
As of Sunday evening, the Madleen was still about 160 nmi from Gaza. Israeli officials have threatened to use “uncontested” military force to stop the ship from reaching its destination. In response, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has called the flotilla antisemitic and accused Thunberg of repeating propaganda from Hamas. He ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to respond. They were to attack any efforts to run the US naval blockade.
“To the antisemitic Greta [Thunberg] and her friends who echo Hamas propaganda, I say clearly: You’d better turn back – because you will not reach Gaza,” – Israel Katz
In addressing these accusations, Thunberg has pointed to the ways in which her activism is rooted in humanitarian action and environmental justice. She expressed her conviction that engaging in missions like this one is the only way humanity can be sustained.
“We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying. Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And, no matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the livestreamed genocide,” – Greta Thunberg
Our Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) goes out in solidarity with Thunberg and all youth/indigenous activists. She said they are not going to let themselves be cowed by threats put out by Israeli government officials. They decried Katz’s comments as a further illustration of Israel’s intimidation of unlawful use of force against civilians.
“The statement by Israel’s defence minister is yet another example of Israel threatening the unlawful use of force against civilians – and attempting to justify that violence with smears,” – Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC)
Thunberg’s mission brings urgent, life-saving aid to people who desperately need it. Simultaneously, it shines a light on the daily humanitarian crisis still affecting people in Gaza. Joining Thunberg on this trip is Rima Hassan, a vice president of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent.
Though the international situation has become ever-tense with the flotilla’s land-seizing intent, Thunberg is undeterred in her quest. Her recent endeavors in climate activism have earned her both international and domestic appeal. Today, she can use her vast platform to rally support behind this important humanitarian priority.
Israeli officials are adamant that the blockade is essential to their national security. They claim that it is meant to prevent the diversion of weapons to Hamas. Katz doubled down on this, saying that any efforts to circumvent this blockade would be unacceptable.
“The State of Israel will not allow anyone to break the naval blockade on Gaza, whose primary purpose is to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hamas,” – Israel Katz
Now, just as the Madleen makes its final approach to Gaza, things are heating up. The activists on board wouldn’t have defied death themselves if they didn’t intend to keep possible repercussions from deterring them.