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Greta Thunberg Urges Keir Starmer to Act on Gaza Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has sent a strongly worded message to the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to take action to prevent a genocide in Gaza. Thunberg traveled to Gaza aboard an aid flotilla, joining hundreds of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, to deliver humanitarian aid and raise awareness about the dire situation in the territory. She specifically pointed out the lack of action from governments and world leaders, despite their legal responsibility to act under international law, and called out Starmer before a potential meeting with Israel's President Isaac Herzog.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thunberg has joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a legal aid mission to Gaza, where civilians are facing starvation and "pure and simple" humanitarian crisis.
  • The flotilla aims to deliver humanitarian aid, including food packages, baby formula, and medical supplies, as well as draw public attention to Gaza.
  • Since the start of the war, at least 63,633 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
  • At least 248 journalists have been killed in Gaza in the last 22 months, and hundreds of civilians have been injured or killed in previous aid missions.
  • Thunberg accused Israel of empowering itself to act illegally due to the lack of repercussions from the international community.
  • She stated that the international community's inaction allows Israel to "act however they want without any major consequences."
  • Thunberg warned that the world will "use those slurs" to describe people who support or commit war crimes, naming Starmer and others who fail to act.
  • The mission's visibility and international attention are what keep them from being killed, said Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist.
  • Thunberg emphasized the world's growing awareness and calling out of war crimes in Gaza, stating that there is "worldwide support" for the movement.
  • She emphasized that "we know the world does not stand with war criminals" and that the international community's attention is crucial in preventing further atrocities.

Statistics:

  • At least 63,633 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since the start of the war.
  • At least 248 journalists have been killed in Gaza in the last 22 months.
  • Since 2008, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has been sending aid boats to the Gaza territory.
  • At least 10 activists have been killed and many more injured on previous missions.
  • The Global Sumud Flotilla has hundreds of activists aboard, joining the humanitarian mission to Gaza.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • Freedom Flotilla Coalition
  • UN reports on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
  • Time Person of the Year (2019)
  • Nobel Peace Prize nominations (Greta Thunberg)

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