Overview

• The Madleen departed from Catania on June 1, carrying baby formula, medical supplies and other essentials to Gaza as a nonviolent challenge to Israel’s maritime blockade.
• Led by climate campaigner Greta Thunberg alongside actor Liam Cunningham and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, the crew expects a seven-day crossing if Israeli authorities allow passage.
• Israel maintains the blockade to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and firmly rejects genocide allegations as an antisemitic blood libel.
• UN agencies warn that Gaza’s roughly two million residents face a mounting food crisis that could tip into famine without expanded humanitarian access.
• The Freedom Flotilla Coalition plans land-based actions including a Global March to Gaza in mid-June to break the siege from multiple fronts.