Setting sail from Catania in southern Italy, the ship Madleen is taking part in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission.
The initiative aims to deliver crucial humanitarian assistance to Gaza and draw global attention to what the organizers call an “intolerable humanitarian crisis.”
The voyage is expected to last about a week—assuming they are not intercepted along the way.
This is not Greta Thunberg’s first effort to join such a campaign. She had planned to take part in a similar mission in May, but that attempt was cut short when the vessel was reportedly struck by drones in international waters—an attack the group attributes to Israel.
Israel defends its blockade, saying it is necessary to exert pressure on Hamas for the release of hostages taken during the October 7 assault.
With more than 52,000 Palestinians reported dead and widespread destruction across Gaza, many critics accuse Israel of enacting collective punishment. Israeli authorities maintain their military actions are aimed solely at militants.
