Greta Thunberg and Liam Cunningham sail to Gaza with humanitarian aid.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg and actor Liam Cunningham have joined an international group of human rights activists on a dangerous journey. The mission aims to peacefully break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip while drawing attention to the region’s dire humanitarian crisis.
Mission Launch: Departure From Catania
On June 1, 2025, the sailboat Madleen departed from the port of Catania, Sicily, with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. On board are twelve activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham, best known for his role in the series Game of Thrones. The mission is organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which advocates for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
What’s Being Delivered
On board are supplies including baby formula, medical aid, water purification kits, flour, diapers, hygiene products, and prosthetics for injured children. While the shipment is small in scale, the mission is primarily symbolic. It aims to show that there are people who refuse to look away and are willing to provide concrete help, despite the political risks involved.
Famous Voices Against the Silence
Greta Thunberg emphasized the importance of not remaining silent in times of crisis before the Madleen set sail. "If we stop trying, we lose our humanity," she said. The 22–year–old climate activist has repeatedly spoken out about Gaza in recent months and has taken part in numerous pro–Palestinian demonstrations.
Liam Cunningham, who rose to global fame through his role in Game of Thrones and whose character in the series is known for sailing, has been speaking out about Palestine for months. Shortly before departure, he said, "I’m not afraid of being killed. My conscience tells me I have to act." For him, standing by and watching while innocent people suffer is not an option. According to Cunningham, the Israeli blockade deprives civilians of any chance at a normal life.
The journey is not without risk. Just recently, another ship from the same organization was damaged in a drone attack. The activists suspect it was a targeted strike, although there have been no official statements so far. For safety reasons, the Madleen is being monitored in real time. The mission is supported by groups including Forensic Architecture, an organization that visually investigates critical events. Shortly after departure, the ship was repeatedly circled by drones.
BREAKING: A drone has been spotted by Greta Thunberg and a crew-member hovering above their "Freedom Flotilla" heading to Gaza: "We need your help... send this distress signal to everyone."They are only 80km from Greece. pic.twitter.com/oaj87A9IfT
— ADAM (@AdameMedia) June 3, 2025
Political Reactions And Criticism
The journey to Gaza has drawn international attention. While many people have praised the activists’ efforts, there has also been harsh criticism, particularly from the United States. US Senator Lindsey Graham responded with a cynical remark, accusing Thunberg of getting involved in matters she doesn't understand. In a post on X, he wrote, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!”, which many interpreted as a clear threat. The organizers, however, remain committed to their peaceful stance and emphasize that the mission is in line with international law.
Hope Greta and her friends can swim!https://t.co/Noab4QyJtV
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 1, 2025
This mission is more than the transport of small aid supplies. It is a symbol of solidarity, a political statement, and a call to the world to pay attention and take action. Thunberg and Cunningham are using their public presence to highlight a humanitarian catastrophe that many choose to ignore. They serve as a reminder that humanity must not end at borders.
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