Tunis Welcomes Greta Thunberg and Aid Flotilla Bound for Gaza
TUNIS — In a scene of solidarity and activism, massive crowds flocked to Tunisia’s port on Sunday to greet Greta Thunberg as her aid flotilla, en route to Gaza, made its stop at the port.
The Swedish climate activist is accompanied by 350 pro-Palestinian activists on boats filled with aid intended for delivery to Palestinians in Gaza.
Upon her arrival at the Sidi Bou Said port, images captured the 22-year-old surrounded by throngs of people as she passionately addressed the crowd. “We all know why we are here,” she declared. “Just across the water, there is a genocide taking place, a mass starvation caused by Israel’s actions.”
Despite Israel’s repeated denials of starvation in Gaza, a UN-backed body recently confirmed the existence of famine in the territory. The UN’s humanitarian chief attributed this dire situation to Israel’s deliberate hindrance of aid entering Gaza.
French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan voiced her support at the port, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause transcends governments and resides in the hearts of people worldwide.
The flotilla organizers have expressed their mission to “break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza,” although the journey has faced challenges. An earlier attempt in June was thwarted by Israeli forces.
Commencing from Barcelona, the current voyage includes approximately 20 vessels. The group plans to remain in Tunisia briefly before continuing their voyage to Gaza, as reported by Reuters news agency.
“Some of the flotilla ships destined for Gaza have arrived at Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia, where they will be restocked with additional aid and joined by the Tunisian team for the next leg of the mission,” shared the collective activist group Global Sumud Flotilla on X.
Israeli authorities have dismissed Thunberg’s efforts as mere publicity stunts lacking genuine humanitarian impact. In response to international pressure, they recently lifted a nearly three-month blockade on aid entering Gaza, alleging that Hamas was diverting the aid.
