Despite threats of interception or attack, the humanitarian ship "Madeleine" has set sail from Italy as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s latest mission to break Israel’s 17-year siege on Gaza. Carrying medical supplies, food, and activists from across the world, the vessel represents a global stand against what Palestinians describe as a genocidal blockade.  

Organisers acknowledge the risks. Israeli forces have previously attacked solidarity ships, including a drone strike on the "Conscience" last month. Israeli media reports that Tel Aviv is already plotting to stop the "Madeleine", with options ranging from forcing it to Ashdod port to leaving it stranded at sea.  

On board are figures like Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham, and French-Palestinian MP Rima Hassan, who warns that Netanyahu’s government "might order an attack" despite the mission’s peaceful intent. "No danger we face compares to the world’s silence on Gaza’s genocide," Thunberg stated before departure.  

Parallel land convoys from North Africa and the Middle East are also mobilising toward Rafah, though Egyptian authorities remain a hurdle. The collective action underscores growing international fury over Israel’s starvation tactics, which the UN says has plunged Gaza into its worst crisis since the assault began.  

"The world’s complicity must end," said Issam Youssef of the Global Popular Committee for Gaza. "This isn’t war, it’s genocide. And every silenced government is complicit."  

As the "Madeleine" sails into perilous waters, its message is clear: the blockade must fall, and Palestine will not be abandoned.