Greta Thunberg has hit back at claims that the flotilla of Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ships she is on is a “publicity stunt”.
The Swedish activist is one of over 500 volunteers aboard the flotilla aiming to deliver medical supplies and food to the population of Gaza, who are experiencing widespread hunger due to an Israeli naval blockade.
Israeli authorities have characterised the the Global Sumud Flotilla as a publicity stunt – a claim activists on board deny.
Asked in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC about the accusations, Ms Thunberg said: “First of all I don’t think anyone would risk their lives for a publicity stunt. Second of all, if you think it’s a publicity stunt, have you asked people in Gaza if they consider this a publicity stunt?”
She added: “I repeat, this mission should not have to exist, we do not want to be doing this, but we have to keep trying, right?
“If we just thought to ourselves, ‘Well, I’m just one person I can’t make a difference’ then almost no one would have rights by now.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as a “multinational civilian effort to break Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza”. It is made up of more than 500 volunteers, including doctors, lawyers, politicians and activists.
They say the flotilla is the largest attempt to date to break Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has now lasted 18 years. Israel says the blockade is needed to prevent Hamas from importing arms, but critics consider it collective punishment.
The Israeli foreign ministry has proposed that the activists unload their aid in the Israeli port of Ashkelon for it to be transported into Gaza and said it would “not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade”.
Earlier this week, activists on board said multiple drones had targeted the flotilla in the waters south of Crete. It said several of its boats were met by swarms of drones circling overhead on Wednesday.
A vessel was also sprayed with unidentified chemicals, sound-bombs and explosive flares and had their communications jammed, according to the crew. The team reported hearing 15 to 16 drones and 13 explosions on or around several boats.
The flotilla has reported several attacks since it set sail from Spain on 1 September, including two while some of its boats were in Tunisian waters.
In response to the most recent attacks, Italy and Spain said they were sending military ships to provide assistance and possible rescues if needed.
