Greta Thunberg denies claims Gaza flotilla is a publicity stunt

[ad_1] 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 among 52 boats that kind the International Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which is travelling towards Gaza with the goal of delivering humanitarian support to Palestinians there.

Israeli authorities have ridiculed the GSF flotilla and related 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 suppose anybody would threat 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 individuals in Gaza that "when our governments fail to step up, the individuals will step up".

Worldwide support companies have been trying to get meals and medication into the Palestinian territory - however observe Israel is proscribing the circulate of provides. Israel claims it's trying to cease these provides falling into the fingers of Hamas, and has permitted 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 coming 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 army has lengthy managed the waters that border Gaza.

Earlier this month, the flotilla got here below assault by drones which dropped unidentified objects onto boats outdoors the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Mentioned.

One other suspected drone assault on Wednesday, off the coast of Crete, led Spain and Italy to deploy naval ships to help the flotilla.

Addressing the incidents, Thunberg accused Israeli officers of creating "baseless threats" that violate worldwide legislation, and requested: "Why would they assault a peaceable humanitarian mission aiming to deliver 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 had 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 had been in worldwide waters. Israel mentioned it had prevented a breach of the maritime blockade round Gaza.