Greta Thunberg's aid mission to Gaza is being threatened by Israel
Her sea voyage from southern Italy is about to face major resistance.
22-year-old eco-activist Greta Thunberg is in troubled waters. Her aid mission on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s "Madleen" ship from the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy to Gaza faces potential Israeli interception. The activists described things in Gaza as "an unbearable humanitarian disaster."
She and 11 other activists (including some Game of Thrones cast members) are risking arrest to highlight the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s genocide against the Gazans. An IDF spokesman confirmed Israel’s preparedness to intercept the Palestine-flagged ship, citing security concerns.
Israel vows to “act accordingly” as Thunberg’s group inches closer. It will potentially order the boat back or escort it to Ashdod for arrests. The activists are expected to reach their destination by June 7.
They aim to break the aid blockade, give out some aid, and draw more international attention to the Gaza crisis. The group alleges that they’re being surveilled by a Greek Heron drone purchased from Israel, according to Thunberg and the Gaza Freedom Flotilla’s social media.
@genocide_free.cy • The use of Heron drones by Greece is a key tool in the growing alliance between Greece, Cyprus, ‘I$rael’, and the US, tightening control over the Eastern Mediterranean.
Under the 3+1 framework, surveillance data gathered by these drones can be funneled to ‘I$rael’, reinforcing a regional intelligence web that serves military dominance and the suppression of the region, particularly against the Palestinian people.
— Gaza Freedom Flotilla
Thunberg stated, "We are doing this because no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying, because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity."
"Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the livestreamed genocide," she said before setting sail.
Over 54,000 Gazans have been reported killed. The region is suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by rampant famine.
Updated on 6/8/25
Various people on 𝕏 are reporting that Israeli forces seized control of Greta & friends’ “Madleen.” No injuries so far. Establishment news like the AP & CNN have picked it up, too.
A prerecorded message from Greta was made, just in case she was arrested by Israel or pro-Israel forces. “I urge all my family, friends, and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others ASAP,” Greta said.
Updated on 6/10/25
Greta was deported from Israel and arrived in Sweden. A group of around 10 people welcomed her.
Stay tuned for any updates to this ongoing story.
Follow The Free Maverick here, on 𝕏, and LinkedIn.