Famous activist Greta Thunberg has made headlines recently for going on a controversial journey. She has recently launched her Freedom Flotilla journey, accompanied by twelve other activists. The Freedom Flotilla was an effort used by Greta and her colleagues to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis that is occurring in the West Bank.
Many know Greta for her bold and outspoken opinion on climate change, so naturally, Greta uses a means of transportation that does not release any harmful emissions. Thunberg was aiming to commit a peaceful protest against the Israeli government for their blockade of Gaza. Her involvement has caused many users online to become much more supportive of her for pursuing such a dangerous mission to bring awareness to the crisis overseas. Additionally, she has made a shift from focusing solely on climate change to also humanitarian rights.
The Flotilla contained aid for Palestinians who are currently suffering as a result of the war. The mission was to deliver food and aid to civilians in Gaza. However, the aid would never be delivered. The media focused heavily on this issue and followed updates every day. Thunberg is also known to be quite controversial for her outspoken climate beliefs. Sophomore Grace Moore said, “I did not know much about Greta, but all I knew was that people disliked her for being outspoken about climate change.”
Additionally, as the Freedom Flotilla entered international waters near Gaza, the Israeli navy intercepted it. The crew of the Flotilla was detained and later deported. However, a video taken by the IDF has shown them handing out food to the Flotilla crew, and many online saw this as a means of “trying to make themselves look better.” Sophomore Evan Keane described, “The IDF should not have intercepted the Flotilla. It is disheartening that they believe they can intercept property on international waters.” The Israeli government has stated that it believes that the Flotilla violated security protocols and that Greta and her colleagues were going to provide aid to terrorist organizations such as Hamas. This is an accusation that the Flotilla attendees have since denied.
Although the Freedom Flotilla may not have reached Gaza to provide aid, it was still able to spark important conversations that should be held during times of war. Greta’s journey has proved to be selfless and encouraging to others to stand up for humanitarian rights.
