Cork activist Saoi O’Connor to join Greta Thunberg on civilian flotilla to Gaza
Saoi O'Connor right (green skirt) with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (L). and activists walk toward their boat, part of a civilian flotilla aiming at breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, in the port of Barcelona, on August 31, 2025. Picture: Lluis GENE / AFP
Cork climate and human rights activist Saoi O’Connor is one of several Irish people involved in the largest civilian flotilla to ever attempt to get aid through to starving people in Gaza.
O'Connor appeared with Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist who has been nominated for multiple Nobel Peace Prizes, in a video on social media.
“Once again, we will try to sail to Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid and break Israel’s illegal siege and open up the humanitarian corridor," Thunberg said.
O'Connor then criticized the Irish government for their response to the atrocities in Gaza.
“They must pass the Occupied Territories Bill, which must include not only goods but also services, and get the US military out of Shannon airport."
O'Connor said that they were not sailing in the flotilla but was with it onshore 'helping out'.
Thunberg was about to depart for Palestine in one of 20 boats before the video was posted.
But stormy weather forced the flotilla - carrying activists, humanitarians, doctors, seafarers, and humanitarian supplies - that left Barcelona on Sunday to turn back on Monday.
"We conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass. This meant delaying our departure to avoid risking complications with the smaller boats," the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission said in a statement, adding winds had been up to around 35 mph (56 kph).
O’Connor, 22, is one of several Irish people taking part in and supporting the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza, which is carrying desperately needed humanitarian supplies.
Actor Liam Cunningham, poet Sarah Clancy, comedian Tadhg Hickey and novelist Naoise Dolan are other Irish citizens involved with the flotilla.
The United Nations declared a state of famine in Gaza in recent days, warning that 500,000 people face "catastrophic" conditions.
More than 50 ships are to gather for the flotilla, which organisers say is the largest maritime mission to Gaza, with delegations from at least 44 countries.
The flotilla is expected to arrive in Gaza in mid-September.
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy said that he will travel to Tunis in Tunisia to join the flotilla.
Israel has already blocked two attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza, in June and July.
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