The pro-Palestinian organization "Freedom Flotilla Coalition" launched its latest attempt on Sunday to sail toward the Gaza Strip, aiming to breach the Israeli-imposed maritime blockade, which was established for security reasons. Organizers described the initiative as symbolic and said it carries food and medicine for Gaza residents, who, they claim, are suffering from severe hunger as a result of Israeli actions.
The vessel, named Madleen, allegedly after the first and only female fisherwoman in Gaza, carries a crew that includes well-known pro-Palestinian figures. The organization's previous flotilla, launched about a month ago, ended after one of the participating vessels was attacked by drones. No party claimed responsibility, but organizers blamed Israel.
As mentioned, the voyage includes several public figures, among them Rima Hassan, a French MEP of Syrian-Palestinian descent and one of Israel's harshest critics in Europe. Hassan was previously denied entry into Israel. Also on board are actor Liam Cunningham and Greta Thunberg.
Greta Thunberg
Thunberg first gained global recognition for her climate activism and her campaign for greener energy and climate justice. In recent years, however, she has taken a vocal stance in favor of a boycott of Israel and has become a full-throated supporter of the Palestinians. During the Iron Swords War, she spoke at a pro-Palestinian rally and declared that the goal should be to "dismantle Zionism." At the press conference before the voyage, Thunberg tearfully stated, "The moment we stop trying, we lose our humanity. No matter how dangerous this mission may be, it's still not nearly as dangerous as the world's silence in the face of live-streamed genocide."
Rima Hassan
Hassan, a member of France's far-left "La France Insoumise" party, has repeatedly expressed extreme anti-Israel positions. The party is led by French Jew Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who refused to condemn Hamas's October 7 massacre during the Simchat Torah holiday. Hassan has publicly used the antisemitic slogan "from the river to the sea," and has stated that Hamas's October 7 attack was "completely legitimate," citing what she calls Israel's "occupation of Gaza." She has also denied that Hamas terrorists murdered the Bibas family in cold blood and has made antisemitic remarks about French Jews over the years.
Liam Cunningham
Cunningham, who played Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones from season two until the series finale, has long been outspoken in his criticism of Israel, including during the current war. He has participated in protests and rallies and has publicly condemned fellow celebrities who remain silent.
Thiago Ávila
Ávila is a Brazilian journalist, social activist and left-wing politician who has supported the Palestinian cause for 19 years. An outspoken anti-Zionist, he produces educational anti-Israel content on social media and has actively participated in efforts to breach Israel's blockade on Gaza. He previously took part in the Turkish-led Gaza Freedom Flotilla and visited Egypt to urge the government to open a humanitarian corridor through the Rafah border crossing.
Mark van Rennes
Van Rennes is a 26-year-old Dutch marine engineering student and one of the ship's crew. He has experience operating high-speed inflatable boats used by NGOs in civil rights missions. He expressed support for the flotilla's goals, saying he hopes the voyage will spark global protests against Israel.
Omar Faiad
Faiad is a journalist for Qatari network Al Jazeera, whose purpose on the voyage is to provide sympathetic coverage. He has posted several photos from the ship on his Instagram page.
Sergio Toribio
Toribio is one of the ship's crew members and a member of Sea Shepherd, a marine conservation NGO known for opposing whale hunting. A veteran protest organizer, he was likely included on the trip for his navigational skills.
Pascal Maurieras
Also from France, Maurieras is an experienced flotilla participant. He was arrested by Israeli forces in 2018 during a previous voyage aboard the Freedom. Before setting sail this time, he stated, "If we don't protest now about what's happening in Gaza, then tomorrow a similar massacre could be carried out against the people of France."
Yasemin Acar
Acar, a German activist of Kurdish descent, is part of the flotilla's steering committee. She is known for her work in support of refugees, human rights, and opposition to anti-Muslim racism. Akar is also a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and helps organize mass protests against Israel.
Yanis Mhamdi
Mhamdi is a French journalist covering environmental issues. He joined the voyage both to report on it and likely to provide live updates.
Baptiste Andre
Andre, a physician, is expected to assist any passengers or demonstrators injured in possible Israeli actions against the flotilla.
