Gaza fisherwoman Madleen Kulab reflects on the activists whose aid ship was intercepted by Israel, delivering a 'noble' message that reached the world.

Madleen Kulab, a 30-year-old fisherwoman from Gaza, closely followed the journey of the Madleen aid ship towards Gaza's shores. The ship aimed to break Israel's blockade, and Kulab felt a mix of hope and anxiety throughout the voyage.

She stayed in touch with the organisers of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group behind the launch of the vessel. However, her optimism turned to disappointment when Israeli forces intercepted the ship in international waters and detained all 12 individuals on board, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Expressing her feelings, Kulab shared, 'I was deeply disheartened. I anticipated this outcome, but I held onto hope for a miracle that the ship would reach Gaza.' The night before the interception, Kulab spoke to Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament from France and one of the individuals on board. Hassan, of Palestinian descent, expressed her dream of visiting Gaza, a dream now shattered by Israel's actions.

Living under siege and facing bombardment by Israel, Kulab emphasized the impact of the flotilla's interception. She highlighted the isolation experienced by Palestinians in Gaza, who have endured a blockade since 2007. The recent conflict in October 2023 resulted in thousands of casualties, adding to the ongoing suffering.

Referring to past attempts by flotillas to break the blockade, Kulab noted the consistent military intervention by Israel. She sees the interception of the Madleen aid ship as a reflection of the enduring struggles faced by Palestinians in Gaza, resonating with her personal experiences.

Despite the attention garnered by the ship's mission and interception, Kulab expressed a sense of resignation to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. She hopes for the safe return of the detained crew members, acknowledging the delivery of their 'noble' message of humanity to the world.

As Gaza grapples with starvation and ongoing conflict, Kulab described the worsening conditions faced by the population. She lamented the suffering endured by herself, her family, and the community, emphasizing the urgent need for relief.