'We have to keep trying': Greta Thunberg sets sail on journey to bring aid relief to Gaza as activist is joined by 11 others
The climate activist has set off on a journey from Italy to Gaza onboard a ship carrying aid to the war-torn territory.
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The group expects to take seven days to reach their destination - if they are not stopped in their path.
The vessel is aimed at breaking Israel's blockade of Gaza, according to organisers.
The boat Madleen - operated by the activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition - set off from the port of Catania, Sicily.
It is headed for the Gaza Strip to supply aid and bring attention to a 'deepening humanitarian crisis'.
Read more: 31 killed after Israel opens fire on Gaza aid centre - with 175 more wounded
'Silence'
Greta said: “We are doing this because, no matter the odds, we have to keep trying.
“The moment we stop trying is the moment we lose our humanity. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s not nearly as dangerous as the silence of the world in the face of a live-streamed genocide.”
Israel has vehemently rejected accusations of their responsibility in causing a 'genocide' - labelling such claims as an antisemitic 'blood libel'.
In mid-May, Israel slightly eased its blockade of Gaza after almost three months - allowing a limited number of humanitarian aid into the war-torn territory.
Experts have issued stark warnings, explaining that Gaza is at risk of famine if more aid is not allowed in.
UN agencies and leading aid groups say Israeli restrictions, the breakdown of law and order, and widespread looting make it challenging to provide aid to around two million Palestinians in Gaza.
Others joining the Madleen boat are Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham and Rima Hassan - a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent.
The climate activist is barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to the country’s military operations in Gaza.