Overview

• The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s sailboat Madleen departed Catane, Sicily, on June 1 carrying fruit juice, milk, rice, canned goods and protein bars for Gaza residents.
• Among the dozen-person crew are Greta Thunberg, eurodeputy Rima Hassan, journalist Omar Faiad and veteran activist Pascal Maurieras.
• Organizers intend to break through Israel’s humanitarian blockade and denounce what they describe as ongoing genocide and state impunity.
• Crew members warn of possible Israeli military intervention following a drone strike on the coalition’s Conscience vessel near Malta last month.
• The UN reports that 100 percent of the enclave’s population faces famine after months of blockade, with aid groups labeling permitted supplies as grossly insufficient.