Humanatarian Flotilla Stopped

On September 1st, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg left with the Global Summand Flotilla in an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and in hopes to pressure the government to act and support Gaza in the midst of the genocide. Thunberg believes the government “failed to do their legal obligation” and wanted to force them to act.

Unfortunately, the flotilla was intercepted by Israel in early October, capturing Thunberg. While captured Thunberg was held in a bedbug infested cell, beaten, publicly dragged on the ground, and forced to kiss and parade the Israeli flag. Other activists that were on the Flotilla were denied medication, food, and clean water. Turkish activist Aycin Kantoglu recounts these events and says, “We actually got to experience a little bit of what Palestinians go through.”

Thunberg was deported, along with other members of the flotilla to Athens, Greece on October 7th. Thunberg's first public statement since her arrival states “ Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on. Our international systems are betraying Palestinians. They are not even able to prevent the worst war crimes from happening. What we aimed to do with the Global Sumud Flotilla was to step up when our governments failed to do their legal obligation,” Thunberg said.

Israel denies all allegations of abuse and genocide, despite many reports of bombing, murder, and torture from palestinians.  

Since Thunberg's return, Donald Trump publicly told reporters “She’s just a troublemaker…She’s no longer into the environment now. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor,” he says. “Have you ever watched her? She’s a young person. She’s so angry, she’s so crazy.” Trump has previously spoken against Thunberg, having called her “strange" and mocked her after she delivered her first speech about climate action urgency to the United Nations in 2021. 

Thunberg responded to Donald Trump's comment on October 7th in an instagram post. “I hear Donald Trump has once again expressed his flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concern for my mental health,” Thunberg says.  “I would kindly receive any recommendations you might have to deal with these so-called ‘anger management problems,’ since — judging by your impressive track record — you seem to be suffering from them too.” 

Thunberg plans to continue her brave activism against Israel and bring awareness to what is truly happening in Palestine.