Hope Afloat: Freedom Flotilla Ship Madleen Sets Sail for Gaza to Challenge Blockade and Break Silence

The vessel “Madleen” docked in Catania, Sicily, delivering humanitarian aid and transporting a number of notable activists and distinguished figures.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, European Parliament member Rima Hassan, acclaimed Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, and prominent Palestinian-American lawyer Huwaida Arraf were among those who participated in the voyage.

The FFC, established in 2010, is an international grassroots movement that unites various campaigns and initiatives with the shared goal of ending Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The organization operates on a people-to-people approach, aiming to address the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian implications.

This event signifies the FFC’s second endeavor to provide essential assistance to Gaza since May, following an incident where Israeli drones targeted their prior vessel, the “Conscience,” in international waters close to Malta.

Since March 2, the Israeli authorities have prohibited the entry of all aid trucks into Gaza, leaving 2.3 million residents facing severe food shortages for more than 90 days.

According to experts and activists, a minimum of 600 aid trucks daily is essential to meet the basic needs of Gaza. However, it has been reported that no trucks have been permitted entry for more than three months.

Israel announced a partial easing of its blockade on Gaza last week, a move seen by some as an attempt to mitigate international criticism. Despite this announcement, only a limited amount of aid reached the Palestinian enclave. The distribution of this aid was conducted through the US-supported ‘Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’ (GHF) stations, a method that drew controversy due to the involvement of American contractors and individuals with contentious histories.

Gaza-based activist Wissam Hammed and others view the purported “humanitarian mission” as a pretext for the United States to exert control over Gaza, aligning with Trump’s expansive agenda.

Over the past week, Israeli forces have reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians and injured many others at GHF sites by firing indiscriminately at individuals waiting in line at distribution points.

The United Nations, along with various humanitarian organizations, has decided to boycott the initiative, citing concerns that Israel aims to centralize and control aid distribution within the coastal area, effectively utilizing food and starvation as mechanisms against the local populace.

In a brief social media video, MEP Hassan expressed that the journey of the “Madleen” serves as both a protest against the Israeli authorities and an attempt to provide critical aid to Gaza.

She stated that the primary objective is to oppose the obstruction of humanitarian assistance, address the ongoing genocide and the impunity afforded to Israel, and to heighten global awareness of these issues.

“This measure is also a response to the May 2 attack on the prior vessel that occurred in international waters near Malta.”

A Closer Look at the Erosion of Conscience

On May 2, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s vessel “Conscience,” manned by volunteers hailing from more than 21 countries, embarked on a journey to Malta. This mission aims to confront Israel’s unlawful and lethal blockade of Gaza.

On that morning, an unarmed humanitarian ship was targeted by two Israeli military drones, resulting in a blaze and substantial damage to its hull. The FFC strongly denounced the incident, describing it as a “deliberate act of aggression and intimidation.”

Drone strikes have compromised the ship’s generator and life-support systems, severing communications and rendering the crew powerless. This has elevated the risk of the vessel potentially sinking.

According to CNN, an Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft was observed making a flight towards Malta just hours before the assault. Utilizing flight-tracking information, the aircraft was seen maintaining a low altitude over eastern Malta for a significant duration before navigating back to territories under Israeli control.

Following the assault, the Maltese Coast Guard refused the vessel “Conscience” entry and withheld essential support, leaving injured crew members stranded on board for several hours amidst concerns of additional hostility.

The FFC reported that a tugboat reached the scene shortly after the strikes; however, it initially refrained from providing assistance. Instead, it circled the blazing ship for approximately an hour before ultimately deploying its water hose to extinguish the flames.

The fire was finally extinguished after almost two hours of intense efforts. Meanwhile, the tugboat persistently advised the crew to evacuate the vessel.

The Free Freedom Coalition (FFC) stated that such actions would have exposed the vessel and the humanitarian supplies onboard to possible capture, thereby endangering their ongoing mission to navigate and breach the blockade of Gaza. The FFC suggested that this might have been the anticipated result.

On May 3, a group of FFC volunteers hailing from 13 different nations attempted to approach the vessel “Conscience” to offer support to its crew. However, their efforts were thwarted as their boats were intercepted by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM).

Following an extended period exceeding two weeks marked by unwarranted delays and the withholding of secure entry, Maltese authorities have ultimately permitted the beleaguered vessel to set sail.

The Marine Casualty Damage Report for the vessel “Conscience,” acquired following repeated appeals to Maltese authorities, validates critical claims made by the FFC. The report indicates that the ship experienced two aerial assaults, lacked internal explosions or hazardous materials onboard, and that the resulting fire was a consequence of external impacts.

The report confirms that only humanitarian aid was on board, with no weapons discovered.

Despite these revelations, Maltese and European Union authorities have not yet greenlit an independent investigation into the incident.

The FFC declared in a statement on May 20 that “the assault on Conscience is not an isolated incident, but rather a component of a longstanding pattern of impunity, now reaching beyond the confines of Gaza.”

The coalition has reported that the horrific attack has elicited minimal response from both governments and mainstream media outlets.

Tan Safi, a volunteer with the coalition, expressed disappointment by stating, “This was yet another test of the world’s principles, and once again, the world failed.”

**”Madleen” Sets Sail With Promising Cargo**

In mid-May, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) declared its second mission aimed at challenging the Israeli blockade on Gaza, denouncing what it describes as “state terrorism, media silence, and growing global complicity.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition announced plans to launch their next mission with the vessel Madleen, named in 2014 after Gaza’s sole fisherwoman, representing a beacon of resistance and resilience. Set to set sail in May, the ship will carry both solidarity with the Palestinian people and a cargo symbolizing hope.

Madleen Kolab, currently in her early 30s, assumed leadership of her father’s fishing enterprise during her teenage years following his injury in an Israeli assault.

A vessel transporting essential aid for Gaza’s residents is en route, laden with crucial supplies such as baby formula, diapers, medical equipment, food staples, women’s sanitary products, water desalination kits, prosthetics for children, and mobility aids.

The unveiling of Madleen aligns with the 15th anniversary of the tragic Israeli assault on the humanitarian vessel Mavi Marmara, a previous Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship that transported more than 500 activists and supplies in an attempt to contest the blockade on Gaza.

On May 31, 2010, Israeli forces conducted an operation in international waters targeting a vessel, resulting in the deaths of ten volunteers and the injury and detention of many others. The action was intended to stop the flotilla’s mission to the Gaza Strip.

Fifteen years after the blockade was first imposed, the Gaza Strip continues to remain under siege. The situation has been further intensified by the persisting conflict involving Israel, which began nearly 20 months ago and has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians to date.

The FFC has acknowledged the inherent risks involved in the “Madleen” mission but has asserted its steadfast commitment to addressing the calls for assistance from the Palestinian community.

“The group emphasized its continued commitment, stating, ‘We forge ahead with renewed determination, as the voices of Palestinians in Gaza persist, demanding a response from the global community.'”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) stated that this mission continues the legacy of the Mavi Marmara, embodying resilience against fear, silence, and complicity, precisely 15 months later.

“The blockade on Gaza is sustained not only by Israeli military strength, but also by the lack of action from the international community. In light of these challenges, we maintain that direct, peaceful resistance remains significant, with the potential to alter the world’s moral trajectory. This is the reason Madleen will embark on her journey,” stated the FFC.

**”Global Community Must Not Remain Passive”**

Volunteers hailing from diverse nations such as France, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Brazil, Spain, and the Netherlands, have embarked on the Madleen as part of their dedication to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s initiative, aimed at delivering assistance to those in dire situations.

MEP Hassan declared from the Madleen vessel, emphasizing that silence equates to complicity, not neutrality. “The people of Palestine in Gaza are facing starvation and violence, while the global community remains a spectator,” stated Hassan.

The vessel is not merely transporting aid; it carries a strong message: Lift the blockade. End the genocide.

Actor Liam Cunningham has expressed his unwavering dedication to the mission, emphasizing the importance of being able to face his grandchildren with integrity, even in light of potential consequences.

He expressed his determination to be able to face his grandchildren when they reach their teenage years and confidently convey his actions during this time, expressing his desire not to be someone who remained inactive.

He emphasized that the sole explanation future generations may receive for inaction is indifference, urging that the global community cannot remain passive in the face of ongoing developments.

Activist Greta Thunberg, 22, renowned for holding world leaders accountable on climate change matters, emphasized that the international community cannot remain silent and indifferent. She urged global citizens to acknowledge their moral obligation in supporting the fight for Palestinian freedom.

The situation has been described as a systematic starvation impacting 2 million individuals, with an urgent call to action against global inaction. She emphasized the moral responsibility held by everyone to advocate for a free Palestine, making these remarks prior to the vessel commencing its mission.

Tan Safi, a distinguished member of the FFC team and an acclaimed video producer, writer, and director, delivered a message underscoring the urgent necessity for united action in support of Palestinian self-determination and an end to alleged Israeli genocidal war crimes. Safi urged all parties to prioritize the safety of their vessel.

She expressed that they are a diverse group of individuals—parents, grandparents, siblings, children, partners—characterized by humor, stubbornness, and passion. United by a revolutionary imagination, they envision and believe in a world free from Zionist violence.

“It is feasible and will occur. Ensure, with the same dedication that you apply to advocating for Palestinian self-determination and an end to alleged war crimes by Israel, that this boat remains unharmed. No more.”

Actress Nicole Jenes, involved with the Freedom Flotilla movement, has released a video following the arrival of Madleen in Catania on Friday. In her message, she calls attention to the continuing genocide and blockade affecting Gaza.

Jenes highlighted that the mission aims not only to provide charitable assistance but also to act as a peaceful and direct protest against Israel’s unlawful blockade and increasing war crimes.

The initiative described is framed as a nonviolent and direct action aimed at contesting what is referred to as Israel’s unlawful blockade and increasing allegations of war crimes. The message calls for greater awareness and amplification of Palestinian voices advocating for their human rights, particularly focusing on freedom of movement and self-determination. It also urges individuals to pressure their respective governments to ensure the safe passage of the mission to Gaza.

Zaher Biraw, a Palestinian journalist and chairman of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, as well as a founding member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), emphasized that the vessel “Madleen” symbolizes solidarity with Gaza. He highlighted that it demonstrates an unwavering commitment to opposing Israel’s blockade through grassroots efforts.

In his statement, Biraw emphasized that the vessel underscores Palestinians’ fundamental right to maritime access and humanitarian assistance in the face of the devastating conflict resulting from the Israeli occupation.

Madleen represents a significant assertion of the Palestinians’ fundamental right to engage in maritime communication with the global community. It also emphasizes their entitlement to create a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of aid and relief supplies amid the ongoing conflict characterized as a war of extermination by the Israeli occupation against Gaza, he stated.