The Freedom Flotilla Coalition plans a second attempt to sail, following an earlier mission where their vessel was targeted by drones in an attack attributed to Israel.
Their departure from Catania, Sicily, on Sunday is aboard the “Madleen,” carrying humanitarian supplies and notable passengers including Thunberg, European Member of Parliament Rima Hassan, and Palestinian-American lawyer Huwaida Arraf.
This is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s second endeavor within a span of months to reach Gaza, after their previous ship, the “Conscience,” was reportedly attacked by drones while in international waters near Malta.
The FFC attributes blame for the attack to Israel, which they say damaged the front part of the vessel significantly.
Thoughtful participants, volunteers, and supporters gather in Catania, Sicily, ready to sail the ‘Madleen’ and challenge Israel’s unjust blockade on Gaza.#AllEyesOnDeck#BreakTheSiegehttps://t.co/ZoCnr45S3I@RimaHas@RimaHaspic.twitter.com/IqAhOSHBv9
— Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) May 29, 2025
MEP Rima Hassan has communicated through a video message that the “Madleen’s” voyage serves as both a demonstration against Israel and a humanitarian effort to deliver much-needed aid to Gaza.
“Our primary objectives include condemning the blockade of humanitarian aid, highlighting the genocide, holding Israel accountable, and raising international awareness,” she stated.
Hassan also said the mission aims to respond to the attack on the “Conscience” in May.
Despite Israel’s partial relaxation of its blockade on Gaza, only a minimal amount of aid has entered the region, which is on the verge of famine according to the United States.
Unfortunately, the chaotic distribution of aid has already led to fatalities and widespread injuries among Palestinians desperately seeking food supplies.
Humanitarian organizations, including the UN, are boycotting the US- and Israeli-backed initiative, accusing Israel of attempting to gain control and consolidate aid distribution within Gaza, effectively weaponizing food and causing starvation.
The World Health Organization has alerted to the imminent risk of famine in Gaza due to prolonged food scarcity, stating that a quarter of the population faces a grave situation of hunger, malnutrition, sickness, and mortality.
