Thunberg Defends Gaza Flotilla Amid Claims of Publicity Stunt

Tue Oct 21 2025 05:38:45 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Greta Thunberg rebuts accusations that the Global Sumud Flotilla, aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, is merely a publicity stunt, emphasizing the dire need for aid and support for Palestinians.

Greta Thunberg has spoken out against accusations that her participation in the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla is a publicity stunt. The flotilla aims to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst ongoing restrictions. Thunberg insists that the mission is crucial in raising awareness about the plight of Palestinians, especially amid claims of famine due to Israeli restrictions. The flotilla has faced political and military opposition, yet it continues to advocate for aid delivery despite recent drone threats.

Greta Thunberg has pushed back on criticism that a Gaza-bound flotilla she is a part of is a publicity stunt, saying no one would imperil themselves purely for attention.

The Swedish activist is aboard one of 52 boats that form the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which is travelling toward Gaza with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians there.

Israeli authorities have ridiculed the GSF flotilla and similar seaborne attempts to reach the territory, calling the boat Thunberg travelled on in June a 'selfie yacht'.

Asked about these criticisms of the flotilla by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, the activist said: 'I don't think anyone would risk their life for a publicity stunt.'

Speaking while sailing off the Greek coast, she stated the flotilla was not just a humanitarian mission but also aimed to send a message: 'when our governments fail to step up, the people will step up.'

International aid agencies have been attempting to get food and medicine into the Palestinian territory but note Israel is restricting the flow of supplies. Israel claims it seeks to prevent those supplies from reaching Hamas and has approved a US-backed aid agency.

Last month, a UN-backed body confirmed that there was famine in Gaza, stating it was the direct result of Israel's 'systematic obstruction' of aid entering the territory, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as an 'outright lie.'

Thunberg claimed the flotilla aimed to 'break Israel's illegal and inhumane siege on Gaza by sea.' The Israeli military has long controlled waters adjacent to Gaza.

Earlier this month, flotilla organizers reported that two vessels came under attack by suspected drones outside the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, a claim disputed by Tunisian authorities.

Another suspected drone attack on Wednesday, off Crete, prompted Spain and Italy to deploy naval ships to assist the flotilla.

Addressing the incidents, Thunberg accused Israeli officials of making 'baseless threats' that violate international law, questioning, 'Why would they attack a peaceful humanitarian mission aiming to bring humanitarian aid to a starving population?'

Israel has not commented on the drone attacks but has stated it will not allow the flotilla to reach its destination.

Thunberg and 11 other activists were detained by Israeli authorities in June after they intercepted another boat attempting to reach Gaza with a minimal amount of aid. She was held in Tel Aviv for a day before being deported to France, where she accused Israel of illegally kidnapping her and the activists while they were in international waters. Israel contended it was enforcing its maritime blockade around Gaza.