Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla sets sail from Sicily protesting blockade

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Jun 2025 21:44
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A boat organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has departed from Catania, Sicily, carrying aid for Gaza.

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Activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aboard the Madleen boat, ahead of setting sail for Gaza, departing from the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025 (AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli)

A boat organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international movement opposing "Israel’s" blockade of Gaza, departed from the Sicilian port of Catania on Sunday, carrying humanitarian aid bound for the besieged Palestinian territory.

According to Italian lawmaker Marco Grimaldi, deputy head of the Greens and Left Alliance, the mission seeks to draw international attention to the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

“The ship carries the flag of public opinion—we are trying to make even more noise,” Grimaldi told AFP.

Greta Thunberg, Rima Hassan join solidarity voyage

Among the dozen people on board the boat are prominent activists, including environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg and Franco-Palestinian Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan, who confirmed her participation earlier this week.

Their involvement highlights growing international support for Palestinians and increasing outrage over the humanitarian blockade imposed on Gaza by "Israel".

Thunberg, who rose to fame organizing teen climate protests in her native Sweden, was due to travel to Gaza on a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship earlier this month, but it was damaged en route.

Activists said they suspected an Israeli drone strike was responsible.

Mission aims to condemn impunity granted to 'Israel'

Hassan said the operation had "several aims: to condemn the humanitarian blockade and ongoing genocide, the impunity granted to the state of Israel and raise international awareness."

The outspoken figure for French left-wing party LFI was due to visit the occupied Palestinian territories in February with a European Parliament delegation but said she was denied entry by Israeli authorities.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which began its missions in 2010, combines non-violent protest with direct humanitarian support for Palestinians.

Aid cargo includes basic food items donated by locals

The sailboat, named “Madleen”, is loaded with basic food items donated by residents of Catania. Journalist Andrea Legni, reporting from aboard the vessel, said the supplies include fruit juices, milk, rice, canned goods, and protein bars.

These essentials are bound for a population suffering from severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies due to the ongoing Israeli siege.

"To guarantee our security, and also the success of our mission, we need maximum mobilisation by the public for this initiative," Hassan said on social media.

Mounting global outrage over Israeli blockade on Gaza

"Israel" continues to face growing international criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. In May, the United Nations warned that the entire population of Gaza was at risk of famine.

Since March 18, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported 4,149 killings in the Strip, bringing the total toll of "Israel’s" war on the Palestinian territory to 54,418.