Greta Thunberg, Liam Cunningham to join Freedom Flotilla in defiance of Gaza blockade

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham are among the prominent figures preparing to sail aboard the “Madleen” in a renewed effort by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) to challenge "Israel’s" ongoing blockade of Gaza.

Meet some of the panelists, volunteers and supporters joining the launch of ‘Madleen’ in Catania, Sicily about to sail to break Israel's illegal siege of Gaza. #AllEyesOnDeck #BreakTheSiege https://t.co/ZoCnr45S3I @RimaHas pic.twitter.com/IqAhOSHBv9

— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) May 29, 2025

Set to depart from the Sicilian port of Catania on Sunday, the vessel will carry humanitarian aid as well as a high-profile delegation of activists. Joining Thunberg and Cunningham are European Parliament member Rima Hassan and Palestinian-American human rights attorney Huwaida Arraf.

Cunningham, widely known for his role as Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones, has long spoken out on human rights issues, including his support for Palestinian causes.

This marks the second attempt in recent weeks by the FFC—a coalition of international humanitarian organizations—to reach Gaza by sea. Their previous mission was aborted in early May after another vessel, the “Conscience,” sustained serious damage in what the group described as a drone attack by "Israel" while the ship was navigating international waters near Malta.

Speaking in a video posted to social media, Hassan described the Madleen’s voyage as both a humanitarian effort and a political statement.

“The first [goal] being of course to reject the blockade of humanitarian aid, the ongoing genocide, the impunity enjoyed by the State of Israel and to raise global international awareness,” she said. “This action is also in response to the attack that took place on May 2 against the previous ship that took place in international waters near Malta.”

Although "Israel" slightly relaxed its months-long blockade last week, aid entering Gaza has remained extremely limited.

This week saw deadly chaos at new aid distribution points managed by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an effort backed by "Israel" and the US. At least three Palestinians died and dozens were injured as crowds overwhelmed the distribution sites. Major humanitarian organizations, including the UN, have refused to participate in the initiative, accusing "Israel" of politicizing aid and using food as leverage in the conflict.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued stark warnings, stating that a quarter of Gaza’s population is now experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, marked by acute malnutrition, disease, and rising death tolls.