On Tuesday, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump, who had labeled her a “strange” and “angry” individual due to her humanitarian efforts aimed at delivering aid to Gaza. Thunberg, arriving in Paris after her deportation from Israel, stated, “I think the world needs many more young angry women, to be honest. Especially with everything going on right now. That’s the thing we need the most of.”
Thunberg's journey began on June 1, when she joined the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition in Italy, aiming to provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. This region is currently facing a severe hunger crisis exacerbated by Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas militants. On Tuesday morning, she was intercepted by Israeli authorities while on a boat bound for Gaza, leading to her departure from Tel Aviv to France.
Among her fellow activists was left-wing French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan, who also participated in the maritime delegation. The mission aimed to highlight the dire humanitarian needs of the Gazan population and to draw attention to the ongoing conflict.
Upon her arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, Thunberg condemned the actions of Israeli authorities, labeling their interception of her vessel as “an illegal act by kidnapping us in international waters.” She expressed concern over the silence from European Union governments regarding the humanitarian mission, accusing them of complicity in the violence against Palestinians by providing military support to Israel.
Thunberg articulated her worries about the other detained members of her ship, stating, “We heard different messages pointing out that they would not make it easy for them.” This concern underscores the uncertainty faced by activists involved in humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
Trump's comments on Thunberg’s activism suggested that she should seek anger management classes, reflecting a dismissive stance towards her commitment to humanitarian causes. In contrast, Thunberg's response not only defended her passion but also called for more young women to engage in activism, emphasizing the importance of voices demanding change during tumultuous times.
Israeli authorities referred to Thunberg’s vessel as the “selfie yacht,” a derogatory term that trivializes the serious nature of their mission. Following the interception, Israeli officials attempted to deport all passengers and crew members, showcasing the contentious atmosphere surrounding humanitarian efforts in the region.
Greta Thunberg’s bold stand against criticism from figures like Donald Trump highlights the ongoing struggle for humanitarian aid in Gaza. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of Palestinians and addressing global injustices continues to inspire many, reinforcing the notion that activism, especially from young women, is crucial in the fight for a better world.
