Home » Politics » ‘We have to keep trying’: Greta Thunberg and Liam Cunningham joins flotilla to break Gaza blockade
‘We have to keep trying’: Greta Thunberg and Liam Cunningham joins flotilla to break Gaza blockade
“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.”
A coalition of activists set sail on Sunday with a clear mission: deliver aid to Gaza and shine a global spotlight on its humanitarian crisis. Among them is Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate campaigner, who boarded the vessel Madleen from Catania, Sicily. Their goal is to “break Israel’s siege” of Gaza by sea, defying the blockade that has left millions at risk.
Operated by the activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen left the port of Catania on Sunday morning. Over a dozen volunteers—crew and passengers—face a journey of up to seven days across the Mediterranean. They plan to reach Gaza’s shores with emergency supplies and raise “international awareness” of the dire conditions in the territory.
Liam Cunningham, known for his role in Game of Thrones, is among the crew. So is Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament of Palestinian origin—barred from entering Israel due to her outspoken opposition to the assault on Gaza. Their presence underscores the international dimension of this mission.
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Liam Cunningham as a smuggler bringing food to a besieged population, life imitates art. https://t.co/VfPHvQSDEJ
— Unconditional Positive (@DhammaDoom) June 1, 2025
💧 Thunberg’s emotional plea
“No matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,” Thunberg said at a press conference before departure, her voice breaking into sobs. She continued:
“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.”
“We are watching a systematic starvation of 2 million people. A live-streamed genocide and the world's silence is deadly. That is why we have to keep trying everything we can, even if the odds are against us.”
Her tears reflected the urgency felt by activists worldwide. Thunberg’s involvement marks an unusual shift—from climate action to direct humanitarian intervention—driven by the belief that Gaza’s crisis demands urgent, tangible solidarity.
🚧 Blockade, partial easing, and famine risk
Israel’s three-month blockade on Gaza has severely restricted food, medicine and fuel. In mid-May, Israel slightly relaxed the siege, allowing a trickle of aid shipments. Yet UN agencies warn Gaza’s 2 million residents face famine if restrictions persist.
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Humanitarian groups report that Israeli controls, lawlessness inside Gaza, and rampant looting hinder most aid. Even limited convoys struggle to reach hungry families. International pressure has mounted, but formal crossings remain choked.
🛡️ Previous attempt attacked by drones
This March, Freedom Flotilla’s other ship, the Conscience, attempted the same route. According to activists, it sustained damage from two drones while off Malta. The group blames Israel for the strike; Israel denies involvement. Despite the setback, Thunberg and her fellow activists refused to abandon their cause. Their resolve grew stronger, leading to the Madleen’s departure.
🚶 Parallel land initiative: Global March to Gaza
Sea-based efforts are only part of a broader campaign. Activist Thiago Ávila explains:
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“We are breaking the siege of Gaza by sea, but that’s part of a wider strategy that also includes mobilisations on land.”
The Global March to Gaza plans to depart Egypt in mid-June and march to the Rafah crossing. Doctors, lawyers, media personnel and ordinary citizens will demand Israel end its offensive and reopen borders. Together, sea and land actions aim to force real change.
