Greta Thunberg’s latest venture to Gaza has faced turbulent conditions right from the start. After departing from Barcelona, Spain, on a mission laden with supplies and heavy media attention, the flotilla met rough seas that forced its return. Despite their intentions, the activists’ fleet, consisting of 70 boats, struggled against winds reaching 35 mph. The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission explained, “We conducted a sea trial and then returned to port to allow the storm to pass.” The organization made it clear that safety concerns were prioritized, avoiding potential complications for smaller boats.
This is not Thunberg’s first attempt to reach Gaza. Her previous journey ended with her detention and deportation. This time, she is joined by a notable cast, including “Game of Thrones” actor Liam Cunningham. However, experts anticipate that this mission will likely meet the same fate as its predecessor. James Kraska, a professor of maritime law, discussed the realities of such endeavors: “The whole world knows that this is coming, and the IDF is going to maintain a security perimeter out in the water to protect the beaches of Gaza.”
Kraska further elaborated that Gaza lacks the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a flotilla of this size. “There aren’t any port facilities in this area to unload anything,” he noted, emphasizing the inadequacies of the small fishing port available. He pointed out that a temporary port previously constructed by the U.S. cost about $200 million but was dismantled because it could not withstand the local weather. In light of these factors, Kraska concluded, “Ultimately, there is authority for Israel to defend the blockade,” explaining that various realities play into the enforcement of maritime security.
Thunberg attempts to frame her venture as a humanitarian mission. “The story here is about Palestine,” she stated before leaving Barcelona. She claims that people are suffering due to restrictions on essential resources. Thunberg pointed to what she views as ongoing violations of international law on Israel’s part, alleging unlawful actions against boats in international waters, insisting they prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.
Her remarks have drawn ire from Israeli officials. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described her statements as provocative. Reports indicate that he intends to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to treat Thunberg and her fellow activists as serious threats. There are plans to place the activists under “terrorist-level conditions” in detention, reflecting the Israeli government’s resolve to safeguard its borders vigorously.
According to a source cited in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Ben-Gvir plans to transform the ships used by Thunberg’s flotilla into components of law enforcement operations on the water. This decisive stance suggests that any future attempts to breach the blockade will be met with stringent measures. Ben-Gvir asserted, “Following several weeks … they’ll be sorry about the time they arrived here. We must eliminate their appetite for another attempt.”
As Thunberg’s plans for humanitarian assistance clash with geopolitical realities, it raises questions about the intersection of activism and practical enforcement. With the Israeli Defense Forces’ commitment to maintaining the blockade, the effectiveness of such missions remains highly contested. As the storm clouds – both literal and figurative – gather, the likelihood of a smooth passage for Thunberg’s efforts appears increasingly slim.
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