Greta Thunberg, while traveling with an aid flotilla bound for Gaza, has urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to fulfill his “legal duty to prevent genocide.” In an interview with The Guardian, the Swedish activist criticized world leaders for failing to meet their responsibilities under international law and singled out Starmer ahead of his potential meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week.
Thunberg warned Starmer, who has faced pressure from his own MPs to cancel the meeting, that history will judge harshly those who support or commit war crimes. She stated, “The words we will use to describe people standing on the wrong side of history do not yet exist, but we will use them for people like Starmer.”
She emphasized that global awareness is growing about the plight of Palestinians, and people are refusing to stand by as what she called a “livestream genocide” unfolds. Thunberg noted that while ordinary citizens worldwide are taking action, governments and leaders with a legal obligation to intervene are absent. “These people in power have a duty to act to prevent genocide and not support an apartheid regime,” she said.
Downing Street has not confirmed whether Starmer plans to meet Herzog, who was cited by the International Court of Justice for blaming all Palestinians for Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, in which militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
A UK government spokesperson responded by reiterating the call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, improved civilian protection, increased aid access to Gaza, and a push for a two-state solution. The statement condemned the Netanyahu government’s military expansion and inadequate aid provision, pledging continued pressure for change.
Thunberg is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission delivering food, baby formula, and medical supplies to Gaza, where the UN has warned of widespread starvation. This is her second such effort; in June, she and other activists were intercepted by Israeli authorities while attempting a similar mission.
The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aims both to provide aid and draw attention to the crisis in Gaza, where over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The mission carries significant risks, as at least 10 activists have been killed and many injured on previous attempts.
Yasemin Acar, a German activist accompanying Thunberg, acknowledged the dangers, saying, “Many may call this a suicide mission, and it’s true—we are going into the belly of the beast. But why should we fear for our lives while bringing humanitarian aid to a population suffering from man-made starvation, supported by so many governments?”Greta Thunberg has expressed concern that the international community’s lack of response has emboldened Israel to act without consequences. She stated that, based on international law and humanitarian principles, there is no justification for Israel to attack the aid flotilla heading to Gaza. However, she believes Israel considers itself exempt from such laws and faces few repercussions for its actions.
Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist also involved in the mission, emphasized that public visibility through social media is crucial for their safety. He noted that while Israel may wish to treat them as it has Palestinians, the political cost of doing so is too high when global attention is focused on the situation.
Thunberg, known for her climate activism and global influence, highlighted growing worldwide support for the movement. She pointed to daily reports from Gaza showing severe suffering—including starvation, bombings of hospitals and schools, and the deaths of journalists and civilians—as evidence that people are becoming more aware and outraged.
She condemned what she described as a genocide, insisting there is no moral or legal justification for Israel’s actions, despite the arguments presented by its government. In response, she and others are intensifying their resistance, refusing to remain passive in the face of ongoing violence.
Israel rejects accusations of genocide and maintains that its military operations in Gaza are aimed at dismantling threats, not targeting civilians.Destroy Hamas and rescue the Israeli hostages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Greta Thunbergs statement regarding Keir Starmer and Gaza designed to be clear and helpful
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What did Greta Thunberg say about Keir Starmer and Gaza
Greta Thunberg stated that Keir Starmer as the UKs Prime Minister has a legal and moral obligation to act to prevent what she and others have called a genocide in Gaza
2 Who is Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer is the leader of the UKs Labour Party and became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in July 2024
3 Why is Greta Thunberg commenting on this
While known for climate activism Thunberg has increasingly spoken on social justice issues She uses her large platform to draw attention to causes she believes are urgent humanitarian crises
4 What does genocide mean in this context
Genocide is a specific legal term defined by international law as acts committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part a national ethnic racial or religious group Its use here is highly contentious Thunberg and others apply it to the situation in Gaza while the UK and other governments have not officially accepted this characterization
IntermediateLevel Questions
5 What is the legal obligation Thunberg is referring to
She is referring to the 1948 Genocide Convention an international treaty that the UK has signed It obligates signatory states not only to avoid committing genocide but also to prevent and punish it
6 What could Keir Starmer actually do about it
As Prime Minister potential actions could include imposing or advocating for stricter arms embargoes on parties involved pushing for stronger diplomatic measures and sanctions at the UN and through allies and using the UKs influence to demand a permanent ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access
7 Has Keir Starmer responded to this
As of the statement there has been no direct personal response from Starmer to Thunberg His governments official position has focused on calling for a sustainable ceasefire humanitarian pauses and a twostate solution while also affirming Israels right to selfdefense
8 Is the UK currently doing anything regarding Gaza
Yes The UK government provides humanitarian aid advocates for the release of hostages and calls
