Under the scorching Mediterranean sun, a dedicated group of activists is embarking on a critical journey by sea to one of the world’s most perilous regions.
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Their destination? Gaza.
Their mission? To “break the siege and create a humanitarian corridor for the people.”
Aboard the small sailboat named Madleen, which is carrying 12 volunteers from various countries, is renowned climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.
“When you see people starving to death, you bring them food,” Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila shared with RTÉ News from the ship, which departed Sicily last Sunday and anticipates reaching Gaza by Monday morning.
“We do not fear them; they can’t threaten us,” Ávila asserted with conviction.
“We are bringing food, medicine, crutches, prosthetics for children who have suffered amputations, and water filters,” he noted, acknowledging that this effort represents just a “drop in the ocean” of what is truly needed. “We are on a small boat, just 18 meters long, but it carries the hope of millions,” he added.
However, the Madleen faces formidable challenges in making its way to Gaza. In a statement to RTÉ News, the Israel Defense Forces announced plans to impose a “security naval blockade” on Gaza, indicating they are “prepared for a wide range of scenarios.”
Yet, despite such threats, Ávila remains resolute. “We do not fear them. In the end, we know that we have the support of social majorities around the globe,” he remarked.
The Madleen is part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which launched this latest vessel to tackle the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
The ship’s launch in Italy last weekend garnered international media attention, with notable attendance from several Irish supporters, including activist Caoimhe Butterly, actor Liam Cunningham, and Senator Lynn Ruane.
“Hope Greta and her friends can swim!”
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 1, 2025
This mission has also attracted criticism, particularly regarding some of the views expressed by those aboard. For instance, Ävila attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last year and has publicly acknowledged respecting Nasrallah’s speeches on historical injustices faced by Lebanon and Palestine. As a result, certain supporters of Israel have voiced strong opposition to the Madleen’s undertaking, including U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who faced backlash on social media for his dismissive comments.
What Is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition?
The Madleen is a venture by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, described as a “grassroots people-to-people solidarity movement formed to end the blockade of Gaza.” Since 2010, the group has organized numerous flotillas aimed at challenging the Israeli maritime blockade.
The FFC emphasizes that all volunteers and crew members aboard the Madleen are trained in non-violence and are engaged in a peaceful act of civil resistance against the actions occurring in Gaza.
Previous Incidents Involving FFC Vessels
Recently, another vessel operated by the group, the ‘Conscience,’ was set to sail for Gaza when it caught fire. The incident, attributed to an Israeli-operated drone, occurred while the ship was en route to Malta to gather more activists, including Thunberg.
Huwaida Arraf, a spokesperson for the FFC, described the harrowing moment: “While it was 14 nautical miles from the coast of Malta in international waters, it came under attack. A drone fired two missiles at the front of the ship, igniting a fire and compromising the hull.” Israel has not commented on these allegations.
The Maltese government confirmed that the ‘Conscience’ made a distress call reporting a fire shortly after midnight. Thankfully, a tugboat arrived promptly, ensuring the safety of all on board.
Irish Involvement in Flotillas
Since the inception of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in 2010, Irish activists have played a significant role in various operations. Notably, five Irish activists were detained in 2010 when soldiers seized control of the ‘MV Rachel Corrie,’ which sought to deliver aid to Gaza. This was in the wake of a prior incident where Israeli troops clashed with a flotilla, resulting in fatalities and injuries on both sides.
In 2011, the Irish ship ‘MV Saoirse’ faced sabotage while docked in Greece. Later attempts to cross into Gaza were met with violence as the Israeli Navy intercepted the vessel, resulting in the temporary detention of Irish activists including People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and former rugby player Trevor Hogan.
Recalling that intense experience, Hogan said, “Initially, we all were very hopeful that we might actually get through, but then we spotted the naval ship on the horizon, and it just escalated from there.” He poignantly expressed, “In that moment, you don’t fear, because you know you’re standing up for justice.”
Today, nearly 14 years later, Hogan admires the bravery of those aboard the Madleen. “To me, it’s even more courageous to go out there now,” he stated. He stresses the importance of global solidarity in holding the Israeli government accountable for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many Palestinians are enduring severe hardships. “These small actions can make a difference,” he concluded.
