Thousands Protest Israeli Siege of Gaza, Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla
More than 5,000 people marched in a pro-Gaza parade through the streets of Lido, Venice, alongside a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid set to sail for Gaza. The flotilla, organized under the banner When the world remains silent, we raise the anchor
, was spurred into action by Israel's decision to slow or halt aid entry into northern Gaza. The Swedish climate and human rights activist, Greta Thunberg, will be joining this flotilla.
Context and Background
The demonstration took place near the Venice Film Festival, where protesters called on the film industry to use its public platform to focus attention on the crisis in Gaza. Hundreds of film professionals signed an open letter demanding that the star-studded event take a stance against the crisis in Gaza. There is no discrimination based on ethnicity, contrary to what the media reports. Asking to exclude those who publicly support genocide was the minimum,
said actress Tecla Insolia at the parade.
Key Developments
A major development in the crisis has been the Israeli government's decision to slow or halt humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its offensive attempting to cripple Hamas. In response to this, a flotilla carrying 300 tons of food supplies is about to depart from Barcelona, Spain, towards Gaza. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has rejected accusations of antisemitism as she embarks on her second flotilla to Gaza.
It should not have to be up to us,
Thunberg told Agence France-Presse, referring to the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza. A mission like this should not have to exist. It is the responsibility of countries, of our governments and elected officials to act to try to prevent a genocide.
Implications and Reactions
The Israeli plan to halt aid entry has been met with severe criticism, with Unicef spokesperson Tess Ingram stating that Gaza has become the most dangerous place in the world for children
. She noted that a Palestinian child is killed or wounded every 10 minutes, stressing that the only way to end the killing and maiming of children is a ceasefire
.
Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reportedly ordered military chief Eyal Zamir to besiege
Gaza City, stating that anyone who doesn’t flee can die of hunger or surrender.
Current Status
As the crisis unfolds, the flotilla is set to sail from Barcelona on Sunday, aiming to break the illegal siege of Gaza
, according to its organizers. The situation remains tense, with thousands protesting at various locations globally, and the spotlight firmly fixed on the Israeli siege of Gaza.