Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and several other international campaigners are set to visit Gaza on Sunday as part of a humanitarian mission. The mission is being organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. This international group has been sending ships to Gaza for over a decade to protest against the Israeli blockade.
The current mission aims to deliver aid and raise global awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has worsened due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
French Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan, who is also on board, said the operation seeks to condemn the blockade, alleged genocide, and what she calls the impunity of the Israeli state.
Blockade Imposed Amid War
Israel imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza on March 2, arguing it was necessary to weaken Hamas, which it calls a terrorist group. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas is still holding 58 hostages, at least 20 of whom may still be alive.
In recent days, Israel has begun to partially lift the blockade, implementing a new system to ensure aid does not reach Hamas. However, aid agencies warn that the situation in Gaza is still dire, with many people facing starvation and a lack of medical care.
Previous Flotilla Damaged, Suspected Drone Attack
Thunberg was initially supposed to join an earlier Flotilla ship earlier this month, but the vessel was damaged, allegedly in a drone attack that activists suspect was carried out by Israel. Another ship was stopped in Turkey after its flag was withdrawn by Guinea-Bissau.
Rima Hassan said that the group is calling for public support and attention to ensure the safety and success of the current mission.
Controversial Figure on Board
Hassan, known for her outspoken criticism of Israel, has described the country as a terrorist state and accused it of targeting Palestinian children. She was previously denied entry to Israel when she planned to visit the West Bank and Jerusalem as part of an official European Parliament delegation.
Her strong statements have sparked political controversy in France, where she is a member of the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI).
Historical Context: Freedom Flotilla and Blockade
This is not the first time the Freedom Flotilla has attempted such a mission. In May 2010, the Mavi Marmara, part of a previous flotilla, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. When passengers resisted Israeli commandos, ten Turkish activists were killed, and ten Israeli soldiers were wounded.
The blockade on Gaza has been in place since 2007, after Hamas took control of the area. It is enforced by both Israel and Egypt to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons. Despite this, Hamas has received arms and funds, especially from Iran and Qatar, and has continued to fire rockets into Israeli towns.
The current war escalated after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people in Israel, most of them civilians, and taking 251 hostages. The brutal nature of the attack, which included reports of sexual violence and mass killings, triggered a massive Israeli military response.
A Divisive Mission in a Tense Region
As the Freedom Flotilla sets sail, the mission continues to draw both global support and strong opposition, reflecting the broader divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Whether the vessel will reach Gaza or be intercepted like previous attempts remains uncertain.
