Latest news with #FridaysforFuture
New Statesman
13-06-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Greta Thunberg knows what she's doing
Photo by Anders Wiklund/AFP There's something about Greta Thunberg that provokes hot-blooded fury among a certain demographic. The rage the 22-year-old activist from Stockholm regularly incurs is on a similar level to that often incited by the Montecito-based Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The latest act which the founder of Skolstrejk för Kilmatet ('Fridays for Future') has undertaken was boarding a vessel chartered by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which attempted to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza through the current partial Israeli blockade. On Monday, the boat carrying Thunberg and other activists was intercepted by Israeli forces who boarded the vessel before accompanying it back to shore. The Israeli government has since deported Thunberg. Various predictable charges have been hurled at Thunberg (who guest-edited this magazine in 2022). Enraged critics have said that her participation was just a publicity-stunt or that she put herself in needless danger just to make a point. The Israeli foreign ministry nicknamed the British-flagged Madleen Yacht, which carried Thunberg and 12 others across the sea from Sicily, the 'selfie-yacht' when announcing that it had been seized. One article in the New York Post accused Thunberg of pretending to be in handcuffs after arriving in France following her deportation. Countless posts on X have mocked Thunberg, or have called her 'self-righteous', with one post going so far as to call her a 'useful idiot'. Google searches for 'Greta Thunberg' peaked at 6am on 9 June, reaching the top of Google Trends maximum searches. What all of the vitriol fails to acknowledge is that this attention is the result Thunberg's actions were intended to attract. She is, after all, an activist. One wonders how those spitting with fury over what they deem to be Thunberg's 'irresponsible' publicity stunt would have said about the resistance — armed and otherwise — used by anti-apartheid campaigners in South Africa under the leadership of the now-beloved Nelson Mandela. One imagines many of the same people who are probably furiously rage-posting about Thunberg on X are doing so from a home bedecked with kitschy posters bearing slogans such as 'It Always Seems Impossible Until It Is Done' (a phrase made popular by Mandela) or 'Be the Change you Want to See in the World', often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi certainly didn't make his name by keeping quiet – he devoted his life to peaceful civil disobedience in order to secure India's independence. In other words, he spent much of his life pissing people off. That is what activism is. And what to make of the charge against Thunberg that by boarding the flotilla, she was irresponsibly and needlessly putting her life in danger? Has everyone forgotten the Suffragettes? Emily Davidson stepped out in front of the King's horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, killing herself and seriously injuring a jockey, with the aim of securing universal suffrage (Votes for Women!). This scene is now celebrated and Davidson is honoured; children are taught about it in school. Davidson's activism was dangerous and daring (and could have caused more injuries besides) but it achieved its desired result. Thunberg's journey on the Madleen, though perhaps personally reckless, has succeeded in keeping the desperate need for aid in Gaza at the top of the news agenda. An eleven-week blockade in the region, which was partially lifted by the Israeli government at the end of May, has left vulnerable Palestinian children and families starving. As of 4 June, 57,000 people have died in this war. That more outrage has been expressed online over a 22-year-old Swedish woman attempting to help those who are suffering is a damning indictment of where we are. The world's best-known campaigner has never hidden who she is or what she believes in. Yet she will always be a clueless teenager in the eyes of her detractors; someone to be seen, not heard. But Greta Thunberg has other ideas, and she won't go quietly. She is, after all, an activist. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Related
NDTV
09-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Who Is Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist On Gaza-Bound Ship Intercepted by Israel
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is once again in the spotlight, this time for her humanitarian work, carrying aid to Gaza aboard a ship, which was intercepted by Israel on Monday morning. She was accompanied by 13 other activists, including the Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Rima Hassan, who represents France. The British-flagged yacht Madleen, operated by the Pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was sailing to the war-torn city to provide humanitarian aid - baby formula, rice and medical supplies. On Monday, Ms Thunberg claimed the vessel was "kidnapped" in international waters on June 9, approximately 20 nautical miles off Egypt's coast. The Israeli forces disputed the claim, saying the interception was lawful. All passengers were unharmed, provided sandwiches and water and the vessel was redirected to the Israeli port. Who Is Greta Thunberg? Born on January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden, Greta Thunberg is known for starting the 'Fridays for Future' movement by skipping school every Friday to protest outside the parliament in 2018. She first learned about climate change when she was eight years old and became deeply concerned about the worsening climate conditions. At the age of 11, she went into depression, stopped eating, and barely spoke for months. She was later diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (a form of autism), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and selective mutism. In 2019, she spoke at the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York and later became the youngest person to receive TIME Magazine's Person of the Year title. In 2020, she spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos and later met Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize-winner for championing Pakistani women's education. Ms Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban when she was a schoolgirl. She also released a documentary titled 'I Am Greta' which shows her journey from being a quiet teenager to a global climate activist. In 2021, during a speech at the Youth4Climate Summit in Milan, Ms Thunberg criticised world leaders, including then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and then US President Joe Biden, for failing to fulfil their promises to address the climate crisis. In 2022, she released "The Climate Book," a compilation of essays from hundreds of experts focusing on changes to the Earth's climate. She was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 Europe list in 2023. Several species have been named after Ms Thunberg to honour her efforts in raising global awareness about climate change. Some of these are Nelima Thunbergae (spider found in Germany), Nelloptodes gretae (beetle found in Kenya), Craspedotropis gretathunbergae (snail found in Borneo's rainforests), and Pristimantis gretathunbergae (frog found in Panama).
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Greta Thunberg: Net worth, philanthropy & lifestyle of 22-year-old climate activist at center of Gaza Flotilla row
As global attention focuses on the Madleen, a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, climate activist Greta Thunberg once again finds herself at the center of international headlines. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which launched its latest mission in June 2025 to deliver aid to Gaza, recently faced fresh complications. The Israeli Foreign Ministry released a video showing passengers aboard the Madleen, including Thunberg, amid reports that Israeli forces had intercepted the vessel. Thunberg and other FFC members, including European Parliament member Rima Hassan, claimed they were 'kidnapped' when the ship was intercepted. Hassan posted a photo showing passengers in life jackets with their hands raised. Israeli officials later confirmed that the aid vessel had been diverted to Israel and stated that all those onboard, including Thunberg, were safe. However, Greta has not yet publicly disclosed her current whereabouts. At just 22 years old, Thunberg has become one of the most recognizable climate activists in the world. She first gained attention in 2018 when she began protesting outside the Swedish Parliament at age 15, holding a sign that read 'Skolstrejk för klimatet' (School strike for climate). Her solo protest sparked a global movement, 'Fridays for Future,' which saw students across the world skipping school on Fridays to demand action on climate change. Her impassioned speeches at forums such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the European Parliament earned her international acclaim, including being named Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2019 and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Gafsa - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Despite her fame and influence, Thunberg's net worth remains modest. As of 2025, various estimates place her net worth between $1 million and $2 million. This includes income from book royalties, public speaking engagements, and award stipends. Yet Thunberg has consistently chosen to donate most of her earnings to causes aligned with her activism. One notable example is her decision to donate the €1 million prize from the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity to organizations such as Fridays for Future Brazil and the Stop Ecocide Foundation. Thunberg has authored bestselling works including No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference and The Climate Book. Though these books have sold millions of copies globally, she has pledged all profits to environmental initiatives. She has also appeared at major events like the UN Climate Action Summit and COP24, but she does not accept any fees for her speaking engagements. Instead, any funds associated with her appearances are redirected to environmental organizations. Live Events Her media presence extends to documentaries such as I Am Greta and the docuseries Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change the World. While these projects have brought significant attention, Thunberg has ensured any financial proceeds are channeled into her foundation or donated to relevant causes. The Greta Thunberg Foundation , founded in 2020, is the central vehicle for her philanthropic work. It receives and manages funds from her books, speeches, and awards, distributing them to organizations fighting climate change and supporting humanitarian efforts. Some notable donations include $100,000 to UNICEF for COVID-19 relief and €100,000 to Brazil's SOS Amazonia campaign. True to her values, Thunberg lives a minimalist and environmentally conscious lifestyle. She avoids luxury purchases, refrains from flying, and uses eco-friendly transportation methods. Her lifestyle reflects her unwavering dedication to climate action and her belief that living sustainably is as crucial as activism itself. In the midst of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and her participation in the Gaza flotilla , Greta Thunberg continues to demonstrate her willingness to risk comfort and safety for the causes she believes in—emphasizing, once again, that her mission is about impact, not income.
News18
09-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?
Last Updated: Greta Thunberg was on board Gaza-bound Madleen, but Israeli forces intercepted and redirected the vessel, calling the mission a media stunt aimed at breaching its naval blockade On 9 June 2025, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg once again made global headlines, not for her climate activism but for her presence on board a Gaza-bound aid ship that was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. The vessel, Madleen, had set sail from Catania, Sicily, on 1 June 2025, carrying humanitarian supplies as part of a flotilla organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to challenge Israel's naval blockade on Gaza. The interception, which took place in international waters approximately 20 nautical miles off Egypt's coast, has reignited debate over the enforcement of maritime blockades, international law, and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Who Is Greta Thunberg? Greta Thunberg is a 22-year-old activist from Sweden who first attracted global attention in 2018, when she began a school strike outside the Swedish Parliament calling for stronger action on climate change. Her campaign, which came to be known as Fridays for Future, gained widespread traction internationally, with similar protests taking place in multiple countries. In 2019, Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit, a speech that received extensive global media coverage. She was later named TIME Magazine's Person of the Year for 2019. Over the years, she has been involved in various protests and conferences related to climate policy, often promoting the reduction of carbon footprints, including choosing alternative modes of transport to avoid air travel. In addition to environmental issues, Thunberg has also participated in advocacy related to broader humanitarian and political matters, including speaking out on conflicts in Ukraine, Armenia, and most recently, Gaza. In June 2025, Greta Thunberg joined a mission organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a group that has repeatedly attempted to sail vessels towards Gaza in defiance of Israel's naval blockade, which has been in place since 2007 following Hamas's takeover of the territory. Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons and military equipment from reaching Hamas and other militant groups operating in Gaza. The vessel involved in the latest attempt, a British-flagged yacht named 'Madleen', departed from the port of Catania, Sicily, on 1 June 2025. Onboard were 12 activists, including Thunberg, along with a limited quantity of supplies such as baby formula, medical kits, water purification devices, flour, rice, nappies, and prosthetics. While the amount of aid was relatively small compared to Gaza's broader humanitarian needs, organisers said the primary aim was to publicly challenge Israel's naval blockade, which they argue contributes to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The mission drew comparisons to the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli forces intercepted a larger flotilla attempting to breach the blockade. That operation led to clashes, resulting in nine deaths and widespread diplomatic fallout. While organisers described the latest voyage as peaceful, Israeli authorities characterised it as a deliberate provocation designed to challenge Israel's maritime security enforcement and potentially assist groups hostile to Israel. The SOS Video Before Interception In the hours leading up to the interception, a pre-recorded SOS video featuring Greta Thunberg was released on social media by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The video, recorded in anticipation of possible Israeli action, was published shortly after contact with the vessel was lost. In the clip, Thunberg says: 'My name is Greta Thunberg, and I am from Sweden. If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces. Pressure your foreign ministries to release me and the others as soon as possible." SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli Thunberg is a Swedish their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!Web: X : @SweMFA FB : @SweMFA IG : swedishmfa #AllEyesOnMadeleen — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025 The video quickly drew international attention, generating extensive coverage across global media outlets and amplifying the flotilla's campaign. In response, Israeli officials described the mission as part of a broader public relations effort aimed at generating diplomatic pressure and portraying Israel's maritime enforcement actions in a negative light. In additional official statements on X, Israel's Foreign Ministry referred to the intercepted vessel as a 'selfie yacht", and emphasised that all activists were 'safe, unharmed, and receiving food and water" after being brought to port. All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 How Did The Interception Unfold? On the night of June 8-9, the Madleen was intercepted by the Israeli Navy approximately 20 nautical miles off the Egyptian coast — still in international waters. According to the Freedom Flotilla activists, Israeli forces used drones that sprayed irritant substances onto the yacht's deck, ordered passengers to discard their phones and navigation devices, and forcibly took control of the vessel. Live streams from the ship were cut off during the operation, adding to the drama. The activists described the boarding as 'piracy" and 'state kidnapping," alleging that they were violently intercepted while attempting a peaceful humanitarian mission. The Israeli military, however, rejected these accusations, stating that the interception was necessary to enforce the blockade, which they argue prevents potential weapons smuggling by groups such as Hamas. After taking control, Israeli authorities redirected the vessel to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The activists were detained, processed, provided food and water, and are set to be deported. The humanitarian aid carried onboard would be inspected and, after clearance, transferred to Gaza via official Israeli-controlled crossings. Why Does Israel Maintain A Naval Blockade On Gaza? Israel imposed the naval blockade on Gaza in 2007, shortly after Hamas — which Israel, the United States, and the European Union designate as a terrorist organisation — seized control of the coastal territory. According to Israeli authorities, the blockade is a critical security measure designed to prevent the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and dual-use materials that could be used for military purposes. Israel argues that Hamas has repeatedly used smuggling routes, including tunnels and maritime channels, to bring in rockets, missiles, and other military equipment that have been used in attacks on Israeli civilians. To this day, Israel insists that any attempt to breach the blockade, even for humanitarian reasons, threatens its national security, as such breaches could potentially be exploited by militant groups. What Does International Maritime Law Say? The legality of Israel's blockade sits at the centre of an ongoing international legal debate. Under the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea (1994), naval blockades are permitted during armed conflict if certain conditions are met: the blockade must be declared, must not starve the civilian population, must allow essential humanitarian aid, and neutral vessels attempting to breach it may be intercepted even in international waters. Israel argues that its blockade complies with these provisions, citing its 2007 notification and security concerns regarding Hamas's military activities. However, many international organisations, including several United Nations bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), argue that the Gaza blockade amounts to collective punishment, severely restricting Gaza's civilian population from accessing food, medicine, water, fuel, and other essentials. While the San Remo Manual allows for enforcement in international waters, critics argue that any interception must still meet proportionality tests and avoid violating fundamental human rights. Whether Israel's specific enforcement actions meet those standards remains a contested legal question now before international courts. What Happens Next? All 12 activists aboard the Madleen, including Greta Thunberg, were taken into Israeli custody after the vessel was redirected to Ashdod. On Monday, Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed via social media: 'Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits." Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 In a series of posts on X, the Ministry took a sharply critical tone towards the flotilla, referring to the intercepted vessel as a 'selfie yacht" carrying 'celebrities" engaged in what it described as a media stunt aimed purely at generating publicity. Using pointed language, Israeli officials said the activists' cargo amounted to less than a single truckload of aid, while accusing them of attempting to turn the delivery into an 'Instagram selfies" operation rather than a genuine humanitarian effort. top videos View all The 'selfie yacht" of the 'celebrities" is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included… — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 The Foreign Ministry also remarked that the 'tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the 'celebrities'" would be transferred to Gaza through established humanitarian channels, after undergoing standard inspection. Israeli officials contrasted the flotilla's symbolic cargo with ongoing official relief operations, noting that over 1,200 aid trucks had entered Gaza from Israel in the preceding two weeks, with close to 11 million meals distributed to civilians via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Gaza aid greta thunberg israel Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 11:23 IST News world Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?
News18
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Israel Warns It Will ‘Act Accordingly' As Greta Thunberg Sails To Gaza With Aid: ‘We're Prepared'
Last Updated: Greta Thunberg joined 11 others- including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham- on a ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition which departed from Catania. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is sailing toward Gaza aboard a humanitarian aid vessel as Israel said that it is 'prepared" to stop the flotilla from breaching its naval blockade of the besieged Palestinian territory. The 22-year-old activist joined 11 others- including Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham- on the Madleen, a ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which departed from Catania, Italy, on Sunday. The group said that their mission is a peaceful attempt to deliver essential aid and to challenge what they call Israel's 'illegal siege" and 'escalating war crimes" in Gaza. What Israel Said On Greta Thunberg? The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning saying, 'For this case as well, we are prepared. We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly." The flotilla is carrying supplies including baby formula, flour, diapers, hygiene kits, water filters and medical equipment for civilians in Gaza, which has been under total blockade for more than 90 days. Greta Thunberg's Journey To Gaza Greta Thunberg has been documenting the journey online, posting images of herself wrapped in a keffiyeh, holding a Palestinian flag and swimming in the Mediterranean. She said, 'We are doing this because no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying—because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity." Who is Greta Thunberg? Greta Thunberg rose to global fame in 2018 at the age of 15, when she began skipping school every Friday to protest outside the Swedish parliament, demanding urgent action on climate change. Her protest sparked a global youth climate movement known as Fridays for Future. Since then, she has addressed the UN, EU and multiple world leaders, becoming one of the most prominent voices in climate activism. About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" First Published: June 05, 2025, 15:26 IST
