The Swedish ecological activist Pro-Palestinian Greta Thunberg, announced on Sunday on Instagram that she will participate, at the end of the month, in a new flotilla aiming to break the sea blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip.
According to her words, the departure is scheduled for August 31 from Spain, with “dozens of boats” engaged in what it describes as “the greatest attempt ever organized” against the blockade. A second gathering of ships is scheduled for September 4 from Tunisia and other ports. At the same time, actions coordinated in more than 44 countries are announced to demonstrate “solidarity with the Palestinian people”.
Greta Thunberg had already participated last June in the Madleen flotilla. The boat had been intercepted without incident by the Israeli navy, its occupants receiving food and water before being expelled from Israel. The young activist was then sent back to her country via Paris.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Madleen humanitarian cargo represented less than a single aid truck, and that it had been transferred to Gaza by official tracks. According to Israel, the organizers of these fleets seek above all a media impact, some passengers having recorded videos in advance claiming that they were “removed” by the Israeli army.
Thunberg’s announced participation relaunches the debate around these contested maritime operations, combining political demands, militant action and humanitarian issues.