Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has joined a “freedom flotilla” endeavoring to deliver aid to gaza, a region facing dire humanitarian conditions.The vessel, named madleen, departed from Catania, Sicily, carrying 11 pro-palestinian campaigners and a “symbolic” amount of aid.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the activist group operating the vessel, has shared videos on Tiktok showing the activists en route to Gaza via the Mediterranean Sea.

Israeli Response and Previous Incidents

The Israeli military has issued a warning, indicating its readiness to intercept the flotilla, citing previous instances where similar aid deliveries were thwarted. Brigadier General Effie Defrin, an IDF spokesman, stated, “For this case as well, we are prepared. We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.”

“We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying. As the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity.”

In May, a separate Freedom flotilla ship was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters near Malta, raising concerns about the safety of Thunberg’s group.

Concerns and Activist Alert

An activist on board the Madleen raised concerns about potential surveillance, claiming the boat was being followed by a drone. In a video clip, the activist urged social media users to “share our location” and added, “We can clearly see a drone to our left. It’s gaining on us a little bit.Please share this alert. Please share our location, I’ll send you the exact coordinates.”

Thunberg’s Statement

Before leaving Sicily, Thunberg delivered an emotional statement, imploring the world not to abandon Palestinians in Gaza. She emphasized the importance of continued effort, stating: “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.”