All Eyes on Madleen...
Carrying flour, water, milk, medicines, children's diapers, and sanitary pads, a ship is swiftly heading towards Gaza. Its aim is to deliver humanitarian aid to those suffering from hunger, but it also seeks to challenge the Israeli blockade on Gaza. Now, it is mired in controversy, centered around
Greta Thunberg.
The ship, named
The Madleen
, is linked with the human rights organization Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). Named after Gaza's first and only fisherwoman, Madleen, this vessel set sail from the port of Sicily, Italy on June 1st and aims to reach Gaza by June 7th, provided the Israeli Navy does not obstruct its path.
Onboard are several human rights activists, including 22-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Israel, however, remains vigilant.
Crammed with medical supplies, food, and essential items, the ship also carries 11 other activists alongside Greta Thunberg, including France's MP Rima Hasan, Germany's Yasmin Jar, France's Baptiste André, Brazil's Thiago Avila, France's Omar Faid, Pascal and Yanis Mahadi from France, Türkei’s Suyab Ordu, Spain's Sergio Torbio, Netherlands' Marco van Rens, and France's Riva Viard.
Source: aajtak
The Israeli army has voiced concerns over Greta Thunberg's voyage to Gaza. Army spokesperson Efi Defrin stated, "We are monitoring this closely. We are prepared and will act according to the situation." This suggests that Israel is prepared to prevent the ship from reaching the Gaza coast.
This is not the FFC's first attempt; a month ago, they launched a ship named
Conscience
towards Gaza, which was destroyed by an Israeli drone attack on May 2nd.
Thunberg remarked, "We do this because we must stand against wrongs. We must try because the moment we stop trying, we forsake our humanity."
But why the controversy over Greta's voyage?
Along with 11 other human rights activists, Thunberg is reaching Gaza by ship. Pictures and videos from the journey have gone viral on social media, where she can be seen holding the Palestinian flag and chanting slogans in support of Gaza. This has sparked significant opposition.
Source: aajtak
Since 2007, Israel has imposed a naval blockade on Gaza, restricting the movement of goods and people. The Freedom Flotilla aims to symbolically breach this blockade, which Israel deems illegal and provocative.
