Renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg has thrown her support behind the Palestinian cause, joining hundreds of protesters in central London during a march organised by the 'Let Palestine Live' coalition.
The Swedish environmental campaigner was photographed holding a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf as she marched alongside other activists through the capital's streets. The demonstration aimed to show solidarity with Gaza and support for an upcoming aid flotilla attempting to break the Israeli blockade.
From Climate Strikes to Ceasefire Demands
Thunberg, who gained international fame through her school climate strikes, has increasingly broadened her activism to include other social justice issues. Her participation in Saturday's protest marks her continued engagement with the Palestinian cause, having previously joined pro-Palestinian demonstrations in her home country.
The march saw protesters carrying banners reading "Stop the War on Gaza" and "Ceasefire Now," with organisers estimating thousands in attendance. Metropolitan Police officers monitored the event as it wound through key London locations.
The Flotilla Mission
At the heart of the protest was support for the 'Let Palestine Live' flotilla – a convoy of boats planning to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza while challenging the Israeli naval blockade. Organisers describe the mission as a peaceful attempt to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in the coastal territory.
Previous flotilla attempts have resulted in deadly confrontations, most notably in 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, leading to multiple casualties and international condemnation.
Broadening Activism
Thunberg's involvement highlights the growing intersection between climate activism and other social justice movements. In recent statements, she has emphasised how environmental justice cannot be separated from other forms of oppression and conflict.
"The climate crisis is not just about the environment," Thunberg stated in a recent interview. "It's about justice, human rights, and creating a fair world for everyone."
The London protest represents another chapter in the ongoing international response to the Gaza conflict, with activists from various movements increasingly finding common cause in their demands for Palestinian rights and an end to the violence.
