In Catania, Italy, climate activist Greta Samberg and 11 others set sail for Gaza aboard the ship Madleen, organized by the group Freedom Flotilla. Their mission aims to “break the siege of Israel” on Gaza and provide humanitarian aid amidst escalating crises. Speaking tearfully, Samberg emphasized the urgency of their mission, contrasting their risks with the dangers posed by global indifference to ongoing violence.
Israel, facing allegations of genocide, has slightly eased restrictions on Gaza but humanitarian conditions remain dire, with experts warning of potential famine. The crew includes notable figures like actor Liam Cunningham and Lima Hassan, a French parliamentary member barred from entering Israel due to her vocal opposition to the conflict.
Their trip follows a previous failed attempt after another ship was attacked near Malta. The backdrop involves complicated tensions following Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides, leading to intensified Israeli military actions in Gaza. Activists insist their efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise awareness and mobilize support for Palestinians, while Israel continues to deny the genocide allegations, asserting their military focus on Hamas rather than civilians.
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