Featured Image Credit: Global Sumud Flotilla
Topics: Greta Thunberg, Israel, Politics, World News
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: Greta Thunberg, Israel, Politics, World News
Greta Thunberg and other activists have been blocked from entering Gaza, with the young activist claiming she's once again been 'abducted' by Israel.
Thunberg has tried on multiple occasions to get into Gaza to provide aid to those who are suffering as a result of the blockade being carried out by Israeli forces.
There have been reports of 'widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease' in Gaza amid the ongoing war with Israel.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) say that one in three people is going without food for days at a time, as officials share fears of a 'humanitarian catastrophe' in the war-struck part of the world.
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At least 16 children under five have died from hunger-related causes since mid-July, the United Nations reports.
With the bleak situation in mind, organizations have been trying to get aid into Gaza to help suffering Palestinians.
Greta Thunberg has been part of the efforts and earlier this year she was 'kidnapped' by Israeli forces after a Freedom Flotilla (FFC) boat she was on was intercepted.
The 22-year-old went on to be deported, but this hasn't stopped her from trying again.
The Global Sumud Flotilla sent out more than 40 boats and nearly 450 activists, carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza, but these vessels went on to be boarded by Israeli forces who detained dozens on board, including European lawmakers and Thunberg.
The organisers of the flotilla said at least 39 of their boats were intercepted or assumed to be intercepted in a night-long Israeli operation.
Israeli authorities later said only one boat remained 'at a distance' and would be intercepted if it approached.
Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Rima Hassan were also among the detainees, says PA.
In light of the vessels being stopped, Thunberg has released a video to social media saying she's been 'abducted' and once again called for her release.
"My name is Greta Thunberg. I'm a citizen of Sweden," she says. "If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces."
She goes on: "Our humanitarian mission was non violent, and abiding by international law. Please tell my government to demand my and the others' immediate release."
In an update issued today (October 3) by Israel’s Foreign Ministry, it was said that four Italian citizens have already been deported.
It also shared snaps of Thunberg and other detainees and insisted that everyone was 'safe and in good health'.