Using Privilege as a Tool for Solidarity: Greta Thunberg and The Freedom Flotilla

“This is not about me. It's about ending a genocide,” - Greta Thunberg, 2025 interview with Al Jazeera.

When climate activist Greta Thunberg joined the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza earlier this year, she reignited global attention on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and sparked a wave of controversy. Some critics accused the 22-year-old Swedish activist of centering herself in a cause that wasn't hers, calling it an act of "white saviourism." Yet, a closer look at her actions, words, and the movement itself tells a more nuanced story: one of genuine solidarity, not self-promotion. 

Freedom Flotilla Ship Madleen Sets Sail for Gaza. (Source: Freedom Flotilla Coalition)

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, made up of international humanitarian and civil society organisations, set sail in July 2025 with the aim of breaking Israel's naval blockade on Gaza. Their ships carried medical supplies, food, and solar panels vital resources for a population struggling under siege.

Then in August 2025, news reports broke that the flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters. Several activists were detained, including some European parliamentarians and aid workers. The mission did not reach Gaza, but it succeeded in reigniting the global attention on the blockade and humanitarian catastrophe. 

Thunberg joined the flotilla as part of her broader advocacy for human rights, environmental justice, and anti-colonial solidarity. In a recent  interview with Aljazeera, in December 2024,  she asserted "climate justice is inseparable from human rights, and Palestine is one of the clearest examples of environmental and humanitarian injustice."

"Silence in the face of genocide is complicity. I can use my platform to amplify Palestinian voices– not speak over them." - Thunberg, BBC News (2025). 

Thunberg & Freedom Flotilla Coalition Speaking on the (Source: The New York Times) 

Her approach to activism in Gaza stands in contrast to superficial celebrity advocacy. Instead of issuing statements from afar, Thunberg has consistently used other social platforms, which are followed by millions, to highlight Palestinian activists, journalists, and relief workers. During her time aboard the flotilla, she repeatedly redirected interviews to Palestinian spokespeople and humanitarian coordinators.

Many Palestinians, activists and journalists have publicly welcomed her solidarity. Al Jazeera Columnist, Andrew Mitrovica stated, "Despite the risks and unhinged assaults, Thunberg refuses to go away or shut up. Instead, these days, she has taken to wearing a keffiyeh and, in doing so, merged the movement for climate sanity with the imperative to end the injustices being perpetrated against Palestinians".

Similarly, Palestinian Environmental advocate, Abeer Butmeh powerful put it during COP29, "If they're fuelling the genocide, how can they talk about climate justice?" Her words echo Thunberg's conviction that true environmentalism cannot exist in isolation from human rights.

Trainee Clinical Psychologist Mariam Azeez from Taylor's University also believes Thunberg's involvement reflects meaningful activism. She explained that figures like Greta, who hold global influence and privilege, have a moral responsibility to use their platforms for good. To her, Thunberg stands out among public figures for translating privilege into action, even at personal risk. "She's been through a lot – she was abducted as well– she went through hell and beyond to just make a difference for the Palestinian cause." Azeez Said, "I don’t see any other influential people in power use that kind of privilege."

Screenshot of Greta Thunberg being detained by Israeli Military interception of flotilla. (Source: ABC 7 News)

While a few critics argue that Western activists risk overshadowing local struggles, many Palestinians see her involvement as strategic. Her fame brings visibility – a necessary tool in a world where Palestinian suffering is often censored or minimised. 

Ismael Hawal, a Digital Media Production student and social media activist who runs a page for Palestine agrees. He views Thunburg's actions – particularly her participation in the flotilla– as a model of peaceful and lawful protest. "She didn't use violence or break laws," he explained. "She sailed with doctors and food, not weapons. It's clear her intention was humanitarian."

Hawal also addressed the "white saviour" critique often directed at Thunberg, dismissing it as a distraction from the core issue. Advocating for Gaza isn't about race; it's about humanity, "Wanting to advocate for Gaza doesn't involve being White, being Black, being Arab, you just have to be human…it doesn’t have anything to do with her skin colour," he explained. 

For him, activism doesn't have to look like Greta’s, He acknowledges that not everyone can sail to Gaza, but he encourages everyone to do something, "Try to donate, easiest thing you can do is boycott and you can share awareness." Even small actions matter, especially when misinformation is on the rise, Hawal noted that some people think the conflict started on 7th October instead of in the 1940s.

Thunburg's evolution from climate-focused activist to one engaged in global humanitarian causes marks a generational shift in activism – one where interconnected struggles take center stage. For young people, particularly in the Global North, her participation signals permission to speak up, even when the issue isn’t within one's own borders.

"Privilege is not something to be ashamed of," Thunberg said during a recent press conference. "It's something to use responsibly, to make room for those who don’t have the same access or safety to speak."

Since the flotilla’s interception, several aid workers have been deported, while others remain detained pending investigation. The incident prompted renewed calls from international bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council, for Israel to end its blockade.

Press Release for Israeli Occupation’s Continued Illegal Detention and Deportation (Source: Freedom Flotilla Coalition)

Meanwhile, grassroots organisations across Europe and Asia have launched renewed donation drives for Gaza. Greta’s participation has undeniably amplified those efforts, with the Freedom Flotilla’s donation fund seeing a 300% spike in contributions after her involvement was publicised. 

Greta Thunberg's journey with the flotilla isn’t without controversy, but to dismiss it as white saviourism misses the deeper truth. Her actions exemplify the potential of using privilege not as a weapon, but as a megaphone; amplifying voices from the margins and pushing global consciousness towards accountability. 

"Palestine doesn't need a saviour," Thunberg declared, "It needs solidarity, real, sustained, and human."