“Onion Knight” Liam Cunningham joins Gaza flotilla
Irish actor Liam Cunningham, globally recognized for his role as the loyal smuggler-turned-advisor Ser Davos Seaworth, is a key figure in a humanitarian flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge 'Israel's' blockade.
His participation in the mission has drawn widespread comparisons to his on-screen character, known as the "Onion Knight" for smuggling food to a besieged garrison.
Cunningham, who has a history of pro-Palestinian advocacy, joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian mission involving over 300 people from more than 44 countries. The flotilla, which includes over 20 ships, departed from Barcelona on Sunday.
The actor did not shy away from making a direct connection between his advocacy and his famous character. "Davos Seaworth smuggled food to save a starving army," Cunningham told reporters before setting sail. "I am a human being and I don't want to see human beings being treated the way the Palestinians are treated."
In a press conference ahead of the mission's launch, Cunningham condemned what he called the "medieval siege" of Gaza. "It’s like something from 500 years ago in a castle," he said, drawing a parallel to Britain’s historical oppression in Ireland, stating that the "killing at the moment is much more efficient." He also criticized what he described as the "cowardice" of European politicians for failing to act.
The flotilla is carrying essential humanitarian supplies, including medical aid and baby formula. A similar flotilla in June was forced to turn back after a vessel was damaged by a suspected drone strike. Cunningham addressed these risks directly, stating, “If anything happens to the boat, it's not a confrontation – it's a deliberate attack.”
Cunningham’s vocal advocacy is not new. In 2024, he publicly stated that he had been involved in pro-Palestinian campaigns for "30 to 40 years."
More recently, in June 2025, he criticized the Irish government's approach to the Gaza conflict, arguing that economic priorities were being placed ahead of humanitarian concerns. The actor's public stance adds a high-profile voice to the growing global solidarity movement with Palestine.
