Israel Shares Pic of Greta Smiling & Being Handed Sandwich Amid Kidnapping Claims
In a recent turn of events, the Israel Foreign Ministry has shared a photograph of climate activist Greta Thunberg, allegedly showing her smiling and being handed a sandwich. According to the ministry, Greta is “safe and in good spirits” and is on her way to Israel. However, this claim has been met with skepticism, as pro-Palestinian groups have shared a pre-recorded video of Greta stating that she and her crew have been “kidnapped” after Israeli forces took control of their charity ship and crew.
The controversy surrounding Greta’s situation began when the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a pro-Palestinian organization, announced that it had launched a new ship, the “Al-Awda”, to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The ship, which is carrying humanitarian aid and medical supplies, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces early on Monday morning.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Greta was on board the ship, along with a crew of activists and aid workers, when Israeli forces stormed the vessel and took control. The organization claimed that Greta was among those detained and that the ship was being taken to the Israeli port city of Ashdod.
However, the Israel Foreign Ministry has disputed these claims, stating that Greta was not on the ship and that she is, in fact, safe and in good spirits. The ministry shared a photograph of Greta smiling and being handed a sandwich, which it claimed was taken after she had been given permission to leave the ship and board a plane to Israel.
The photograph, which has been widely shared on social media, shows Greta laughing and chatting with an Israeli official as she holds a sandwich and a drink. The caption accompanying the photo reads: “Greta Thunberg is safe and in good spirits. She was given permission to leave the ship and board a plane to Israel. We are glad to see her smiling and enjoying a sandwich #GretaInIsrael”.
However, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has released a pre-recorded video of Greta, which contradicts the Israeli ministry’s claims. In the video, Greta can be heard saying: “We have been kidnapped by Israeli forces. We were on a humanitarian mission to break the siege of Gaza and deliver aid to the Palestinian people. But instead, we have been taken captive and are being held against our will”.
The video, which has been shared on social media, appears to show Greta speaking in a calm and collected tone, but with a hint of frustration and anger. She can be heard saying that she and her crew are being held in “horrendous conditions” and that they are being denied access to lawyers and medical care.
The controversy surrounding Greta’s situation has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many people expressing concern for her safety and well-being. Some have accused the Israeli government of kidnapping and detaining Greta, while others have defended Israel’s actions as necessary to prevent the smuggling of arms and terrorists into Gaza.
Regardless of one’s views on the situation, it is clear that Greta’s involvement in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission has sparked a major controversy. The incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories, as well as the challenges and risks faced by aid workers and activists who seek to break the blockade of Gaza.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what will happen to Greta and her crew. Will they be released and allowed to continue their humanitarian mission, or will they face further detention and prosecution? Only time will tell.
