Climate activist Greta Thunberg has rejected claims that her participation in a Gaza-bound flotilla is a publicity stunt, insisting that no one would risk their life for attention.
Thunberg is aboard one of 52 vessels making up the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg from off the Greek coast, she said the mission was both a humanitarian effort and a symbolic act of solidarity.
“When our governments fail to step up, the people will step up,” Thunberg said, adding that the flotilla sought to send a message to Gaza as well as break what she described as Israel’s “illegal and inhumane siege.”
Israeli Pushback
Israeli officials have dismissed the GSF flotilla and previous efforts to breach its blockade of Gaza. Earlier this year, they referred to the yacht Thunberg traveled on as a “selfie yacht.” The Israeli government has long argued that restrictions on aid are necessary to prevent supplies from being diverted to Hamas, though international agencies accuse Israel of obstructing humanitarian deliveries.
A UN-backed body recently confirmed famine conditions in Gaza, and the UN’s humanitarian chief blamed Israel’s “systematic obstruction” of aid. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed those findings as “an outright lie.”
Drone Attacks and Naval Escorts
The flotilla’s journey has faced multiple security incidents. Organizers claimed two vessels came under drone attack near Tunisia earlier this month, though Tunisian authorities disputed the reports. On Wednesday, another suspected drone strike off Crete prompted Spain and Italy to send naval ships to escort the flotilla.
Thunberg accused Israeli authorities of issuing “baseless threats” and questioned why anyone would attack what she described as “a peaceful humanitarian mission aiming to bring aid to a starving population.” Israel has not commented on the drone allegations but has said it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza.
“When our governments fail to step up, the people will step up”
Past Detention
In June, Thunberg and 11 other activists were detained after Israeli forces intercepted their vessel carrying symbolic aid toward Gaza. She was held in Tel Aviv for a day before being deported to France. Thunberg later accused Israel of illegally kidnapping her in international waters, a claim Israel rejected, saying it was enforcing its maritime blockade.
