Media bias debate flares as boulder attack overshadows Gaza Flotilla departure
A deadly attack at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, has dominated international headlines, while the simultaneous launch of a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza—carrying Greta Thunberg and other high-profile figures—has drawn far less coverage. Critics argue this reflects ongoing media bias in reporting on the Gaza conflict.
- A violent attack in Boulder, Colorado injured eight people at a pro-Israel rally; the FBI is investigating it as terrorism.
- The suspect, Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, allegedly used a makeshift flamethrower while shouting “Free Palestine.”
- On the same day, the Freedom Flotilla’s Madleen vessel departed from Sicily to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Greta Thunberg, Liam Cunningham, and MEP Rima Hassan are among the passengers.
- The flotilla carries essential supplies including food, medicine, and prosthetics for children.
- Critics argue the mission received little media coverage compared to the Boulder attack, highlighting alleged bias in Gaza reporting.
- Gaza faces severe food insecurity, with the WHO warning of famine conditions affecting millions.
As international headlines focused on a violent incident at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, critics accused major media outlets of ignoring another significant development: the departure of a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg, Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, and French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan.
A Tunisian art director known online as @pope.art, who has more than 41,000 Instagram followers, pointed to the imbalance in a post on Threads. “Just in the last hour, I saw around nine articles about the Boulder attack—and guess what? Still none about Greta Thunberg, Rima Mobarak, and Liam Cunningham sailing with the Freedom Flotilla to break the siege on Gaza. NONE,” he wrote.
Boulder Attack Investigated as Terrorism
The incident in Boulder occurred on 1 June outside the historic Boulder County Courthouse, where a man wielding a makeshift flamethrower injured eight people during a pro-Israel demonstration.
Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national residing in Colorado. He is being investigated by the FBI for terrorism-related offenses. Officials believe Soliman acted alone and said he had no significant law enforcement history.
The victims, aged between 52 and 88, were attending a gathering organized by Run for Their Lives – Boulder, which advocates for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Witnesses reported that Soliman shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack, allegedly using workmen’s clothing as a disguise to blend into the crowd.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the event as “a targeted terror attack,” though investigators have yet to determine if the group was specifically targeted.
Several Jewish organizations in Boulder issued a joint statement expressing solidarity and concern: “Our hearts go out to those who witnessed this horrible attack, and prayers for a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
Freedom Flotilla Sets Sail for Gaza
While the Boulder attack dominated headlines, activists accused the media of underreporting the simultaneous departure of the Madleen, a vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The ship left Catania, Sicily, carrying humanitarian supplies bound for Gaza.
Greta Thunberg, visibly emotional at a pre-departure press conference, explained the mission’s urgency. “No matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide,” she said.
The cargo includes baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, sanitary products, desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches, and prosthetic limbs for children. The voyage is expected to take about a week.
Thunberg is joined by Cunningham and Hassan, who said their participation highlights the need for international attention to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
This attempt follows a failed mission in May, when another flotilla ship, the Conscience, was reportedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta. Activists blamed Israel for the attack, which damaged the vessel.
Gaza Blockade and Aid Challenges
Israel maintains strict control over goods entering Gaza, a policy it says is necessary for security. While restrictions were slightly eased in May, United Nations agencies report that aid remains heavily obstructed. Looting, lawlessness, and bureaucratic hurdles further limit relief.
The World Health Organization has warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with three-quarters of the population facing “emergency” or “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity.
Polarising Responses to Flotilla Mission
Despite its humanitarian focus, the flotilla has drawn sharp criticism. Thunberg, in particular, has been targeted by commentators.
“She’s sailing to Gaza like it’s some sort of idyllic holiday destination,” said Sky News Australia host Danica De Giorgio, who called Thunberg her “big loser of the week.” Another guest, Prue MacSween, went further, branding Thunberg an “urban terrorist” and suggesting she “fit right in” with Gaza.
Social media reactions echoed such sentiments, with some users wishing the mission would be one-way. Similar remarks by former Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng previously sparked a public outcry and official responses.
Media Coverage and Allegations of Bias
The muted coverage of the flotilla compared to the Boulder attack has reignited longstanding concerns about media bias in reporting on the Gaza conflict.
In October 2024, ten journalists from CNN and the BBC alleged that their networks had downplayed Palestinian suffering while amplifying Israeli perspectives. They cited editorial interference and double standards in coverage following the 7 October attacks.
As of 27 May 2025, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, including 17,400 children, and more than 123,000 have been injured.
Israeli bombardments and ground operations have displaced the majority of Gaza’s population, further intensifying the humanitarian crisis that the flotilla now seeks to address.
