Greta Thunberg's Humanitarian Flotilla Resumes Gaza Aid Mission After Repairs

A vessel carrying environmental activist Greta Thunberg, part of a flotilla aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, has resumed its journey after undergoing repairs. The 'Estelle,' sailing under a Finnish flag, was originally halted due to a technical issue but has now set sail once more from a port near Naples, Italy, according to activists involved in the mission.

Thunberg joined the 'Freedom Flotilla' in recent days, a coalition of activist groups seeking to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver desperately needed supplies to the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The 21-year-old Swedish activist announced her participation on social media, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and calling for an end to the violence and restrictions on aid.

The flotilla’s mission is to break the naval blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza, which has been in place for 17 years.

Organizers contend that the blockade constitutes collective punishment and severely restricts the entry of essential goods, medical supplies, and construction materials, exacerbating the humanitarian situation for Gaza's 2.3 million residents.

This is not the first time a 'Freedom Flotilla' has attempted to reach Gaza.

Previous attempts have often been met with resistance from Israeli forces. The most notable incident occurred in 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of 10 Turkish activists and sparking international condemnation. Activists on board the current mission are aware of the risks but remain determined to deliver aid and highlight the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

The current voyage of the Estelle, along with other vessels, aims to deliver thousands of tons of aid, including medical supplies, food, and building materials, directly to Gaza.

The organizers hope that Thunberg's involvement will draw increased global attention to the humanitarian crisis and pressure international bodies to ensure unimpeded access for aid into the territory.

As the vessel continues its journey towards the eastern Mediterranean, the world watches to see how this renewed effort to break the blockade will unfold and what impact it might have on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.