Woman who inspired Gaza flotilla says ‘message of humanity’ reached world
Gaza fisherwoman Madleen Kulab says activists whose aid ship was intercepted by Israel delivered ‘noble’ message.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/10/woman-who-inspired-gaza-flotilla-says-message-of-humanity-reached-world
Madleen Kulab, the 30-year-old fisherwoman in Gaza who the aid ship Madleen was named after
For the past week, Madleen Kulab, the 30-year-old fisherwoman and inspiration for the name of the Madleen aid ship, had followed the vessel’s journey with a mixture of hope and anxiety as it sailed towards Gaza’s shores in an attempt to break Israel’s blockade.
Throughout its voyage, Kulab remained in close contact with organisers of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which launched the vessel.
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For Kulab, the ship’s mission and interception – which have drawn international media attention – reflect the wider suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, one that she says feels never-ending.
“This ship’s story mirrors my own and the story of every tired, worn-out person in Gaza,” she said.
“We are just a media wave – it rises sharply, then fades just as fast, and we are left to face our pain in silence.”
With the detention of the Madleen’s crew members, Kulab said she just hopes for their safety and eventual return home. Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday.
“Their noble message was delivered: The message of humanity reached the world,” she said.
“But I no longer have the words to appeal to anyone to act.”
Gaza’s population is facing starvation, and after Israel partially lifted its strict siege in May, aid hubs have become the site of killings as Israeli soldiers and US security contractors have opened fire on crowds of Palestinians trying to access food.
Day by day, life grows more unbearable, Gaza’s first fisherwoman said.
“I am drowning in suffering amid war and starvation,” Kulab said. “Me, my family and everyone here.”
