Environmental activist Greta Thunberg, widely known for her work fighting climate change, has unexpectedly joined an international humanitarian mission heading to Gaza on the Freedom Flotilla on Monday.
Thunberg joins aid ship sailing to Gaza aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade
According to the organisers, the aim of the mission is to draw the world’s attention to the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and challenge the legality of the naval blockade imposed by Israel since 2007.
The vessel with activists on board left one of the European ports and, according to participants, is carrying humanitarian aid. However, similar actions in the past have often ended in detentions, searches and sometimes forceful operations by the Israeli Navy.
Thunberg’s presence has sparked heated discussions on social media and in the media: some users welcome her participation as a courageous act of solidarity, while others criticise her for naivety and political bias. Israel has repeatedly stated that the naval blockade was imposed for security reasons to prevent the delivery of weapons to terrorist groups operating in Gaza.
Hamas representatives have not issued an official comment on the approaching ship. However, the Israeli political establishment has already expressed concern, especially if the activists manage to reach the enclave’s shores without interference.
Solidarity flotillas have been sent to Gaza on numerous occasions, and in 2010, one such attempt ended in a clash that left nine people dead. Since then, Israel has repeatedly stressed that it will not allow such actions, considering them provocative.
The international community is divided: some countries and human rights organisations support the initiative as a way to draw attention to the suffering of Gaza’s civilians, while others insist that violations of international security norms and the provocation of military conflicts are unacceptable.
Hamas demands changes to US deal
On Saturday, Hamas representatives said they wanted to make some changes to the US proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Israel, but US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff called the group’s response “completely unacceptable.”
“Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week,” the special envoy said.
However, Hamas is again dissatisfied with the terms. The group said it was ready to release ten live hostages and hand over the bodies of 18 dead, but in return demanded the release of more than 1,200 Palestinian criminals serving sentences in Israeli prisons. In addition, Hamas still insists on a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, while the Jewish state insists that the latter condition is impossible to fulfil.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu notes that his government has agreed to Witkoff’s plan, but Hamas continues to reject the proposed option – the militants intend to achieve “a ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of IDF troops from the Gaza Strip and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to the people in the sector.”
In addition, the Palestinian group wants unimpeded exit from Gaza through the Rafah crossing and humanitarian supplies to be delivered according to the old scheme, without Israeli-controlled distribution points.
The document containing their demands also calls for the restoration of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including electricity and water supplies, and requests permission to deliver building materials needed to repair destroyed buildings in the region.
According to Israel, Hamas wants too much, but predictably will not get what it wants. “Israel will continue its efforts to return our all hostages and defeat Hamas,” Netanyahu said.
Earlier, Israel demanded the complete disarmament of the group and the dissolution of both its military and political wings, as well as the return of all 58 remaining hostages, dead or alive.
