Greta Thunberg has pushed again on criticism {that a} Gaza-bound flotilla she is part of is a publicity stunt, saying nobody would imperil themselves purely for consideration.
The Swedish activist is aboard one in every of 52 boats that type the International Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which is travelling towards Gaza with the intention of delivering humanitarian support to Palestinians there.
Israeli authorities have ridiculed the GSF flotilla and comparable seaborne makes an attempt to succeed in the territory, calling the boat Thunberg travelled on in June a “selfie yacht”.
Requested about these criticisms of the flotilla by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, the activist mentioned: “I do not assume anybody would danger their life for a publicity stunt.”
Talking whereas crusing off the Greek coast, she mentioned the flotilla was not only a humanitarian mission however was additionally sending a message to folks in Gaza that “when our governments fail to step up, the folks will step up”.
Worldwide support businesses have been making an attempt to get meals and medication into the Palestinian territory – however be aware Israel is limiting the stream of provides. Israel claims it’s making an attempt to cease these provides falling into the arms of Hamas, and has authorised a US-backed support company.
Final month, a UN-backed physique confirmed that there was famine in Gaza and the UN’s humanitarian chief mentioned it was the direct results of Israel’s “systematic obstruction” of support getting into the territory. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has known as this an “outright lie”.
Thunberg mentioned the aim of the flotilla was to “break Israel’s unlawful and inhumane siege on Gaza by sea”. The Israeli navy has lengthy managed the waters that border Gaza.
Earlier this month, the flotilla got here beneath assault by drones which dropped unidentified objects onto boats outdoors the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Stated.
One other suspected drone assault on Wednesday, off the coast of Crete, led Spain and Italy to deploy naval ships to assist the flotilla.
Addressing the incidents, Thunberg accused Israeli officers of creating “baseless threats” that violate worldwide regulation, and requested: “Why would they assault a peaceable humanitarian mission aiming to convey humanitarian support to a ravenous inhabitants?”
Israel has not commented on the drone assault, however has beforehand mentioned it could not let the flotilla attain its vacation spot.
Thunberg and 11 different activists have been detained by Israeli authorities in June after they intercepted one other boat heading for Gaza with a token quantity of support within the Mediterranean.
She was held in Tel Aviv for a day earlier than being deported to France.
Thunberg accused Israel of illegally kidnapping her and the opposite activists whereas they have been in worldwide waters. Israel mentioned it had prevented a breach of the maritime blockade round Gaza.
