In brief
Greta Thunberg spearheads an aid mission to Gaza, docking in Tunisia with pro-Palestinian activists carrying vital supplies. Amidst criticism and political barriers, the team seeks to address the humanitarian crisis faced by Gazans, highlighting the pressing need for international support.
Huge crowds gathered at Tunisia's port on Sunday to welcome Greta Thunberg as her aid flotilla, bound for Gaza, docked at the port.
The Swedish climate activist is travelling with 350 pro-Palestinian activists on boats stocked with aid that they are hoping to deliver to Palestinians in Gaza.
Pictures from the Sidi Bou Said port show hordes of people surrounding the 22-year-old as she addressed the crowd. We all know why we are here, she said. Just across the water there's a genocide going on, a mass starvation by Israel's murder machine.
Israel has repeatedly denied that there is starvation in Gaza and has blamed any hunger on Hamas and aid agency failures.
Last month, a UN-backed body confirmed that there was famine in the territory, attributing it to Israel's systematic obstruction of aid entering Gaza.
French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan was at the port, stating: The Palestinian cause is not in the hands of governments today. It is in the hearts of peoples everywhere, praising those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Flotilla organizers aim to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza, although previous attempts have faced significant challenges, including interception by Israeli forces.
This latest flotilla, comprising around 20 vessels, commenced its journey from Barcelona on Monday. After stopping in Tunisia for a few days to expand and load additional aid, the mission will continue toward Gaza.
As Thunberg's previous attempts have been characterized by Israeli authorities as publicity stunts lacking real humanitarian assistance, the activists remain steadfast in their commitment to bring aid and awareness to the plight of Gazans.
