Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is preparing to sail to Gaza this weekend aboard a humanitarian aid vessel, a bold and controversial voyage aimed at challenging Israel’s ongoing blockade, which critics warn is starving civilians and plunging Gaza into famine.The 22-year-old will depart Sunday from Catania, Sicily, alongside other international activists aboard the ship Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). Their mission is to deliver vital aid and draw global attention to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.“The world cannot be silent bystanders,” Thunberg said in a statement about the mission. “This silence and passivity that we are seeing from most of the world is deadly. We are seeing a systematic starvation of 2 million people. Every single one of us has a moral obligation to do everything we can to fight for a free Palestine.”The World Health Organisation recently warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with 75% of its population facing “emergency” or “catastrophic” food insecurity. The FFC aims to bring relief and challenge the months-long blockade enforced by Israel, which has faced mounting international criticism.Backlash and calls for a ‘one-way ticket’Despite the humanitarian nature of the voyage, Thunberg has been met with a torrent of criticism online and in international media.“She’s sailing to Gaza like it’s some sort of idyllic holiday destination,” said Sky News Australia host Danica De Giorgio, naming Thunberg her “big loser of the week.”“She really is annoying at all times,” De Giorgio added. Another commentator, Prue MacSween, said, “She’s such an urban terrorist herself, she’ll fit right in. Let’s just hope she stays over there.”On social media, many users echoed similar sentiments, with comments like “Let’s hope it’s a one-way voyage” and “I hope she stays in Gaza.”High-profile passengers and past attacksAlso joining Thunberg on the Madleen are “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. The voyage follows a failed attempt last month by another FFC vessel, Conscience, which was allegedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta. The group blamed Israel for the attack, though the Israeli government has not confirmed responsibility.FFC’s efforts have drawn both praise and scrutiny over the years, often seen as a form of civil disobedience challenging the legality and morality of the Gaza blockade.
