Liam Cunningham walks during a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza to mark the 77th anniversary of the Nakba in Dublin, Ireland
| Photo Credit: REUTERS

Irish actor Liam Cunningham, known globally for his role as Sir Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones, has joined a high-risk humanitarian mission to Gaza. Cunningham is sailing aboard the Madleen, a vessel launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) from Sicily, Italy, on Sunday. The mission aims to deliver essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza and challenge the Israeli blockade that has left millions struggling to survive.

Also aboard the Madleen is climate activist Greta Thunberg and EU lawmaker Rima Hassan, along with members of several humanitarian groups. The voyage follows a similar attempt in May when another FFC vessel, The Conscience, was severely damaged by a suspected drone strike off Malta’s coast. That ship was forced to abandon its journey after catching fire. The FFC accused Israel of the attack, though the Israeli government has not confirmed or denied involvement.

Before setting sail, Cunningham addressed reporters, expressing concern for the safety of those aboard and hoping the mission would not be targeted. “If anything happens to the boat, it’s not a confrontation – it’s a deliberate attack,” he said.

The 63-year-old actor has long spoken out on Palestinian issues. In a statement before the launch, he said: “Sure, I could lead a comfortable life & simply enjoy my success, but my conscience won’t let me. I have to speak out.” He also criticised the inaction of those who are aware of the suffering but remain silent. “The option to say you didn’t know is not an option. You did know and you did nothing.”

His decision to join the mission has drawn comparisons to his Game of Thrones character, known as the “Onion Knight,” who famously smuggled food into the besieged Westerosi capital city of King’s Landing. In real life, Cunningham now attempts to deliver supplies to a besieged Gaza.

Greta Thunberg also condemned the lack of international response to the humanitarian crisis. “The world cannot be silent bystanders,” she said. “We are seeing a systematic starvation of 2 million people. Every single one of us has a moral obligation to do everything we can to fight for a free Palestine.”

The current mission comes after Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza in early March following the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas. Although Israel eased restrictions last week under international pressure, the United Nations described the aid allowed in as merely a “drop in the ocean.”

The Madleen‘s journey is part protest and part relief effort. Supporters include United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who praised the passengers’ courage and called on world governments to ensure their protection.