Who is Greta Thunberg? From climate crusader to global humanitarian voice on Gaza

Who is Greta Thunberg?

A British-flagged humanitarian vessel, Madleen, which was carrying activist Greta Thunberg and 11 others, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces. The ship was attempting to breach Israel’s long-standing naval blockade to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The vessel Madleen set sail from Catania, Sicily, on June 1, 2025, as part of a flotilla led by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). It carried essential humanitarian supplies, including baby formula, rice, and medical equipment.

The interception occurred in international waters about 20 nautical miles off the coast of Egypt, sparking renewed debate over maritime blockades, international law, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Greata joined the mission organized by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) in June 2025. The group has repeatedly attempted to sail vessels towards Gaza in defiance of Israel’s naval blockade which came into existence since 2007 after Hamas took over the territory.

Who is Greta Thunberg? 

Greta Thunberg, a 22-year-old Swedish climate activist from Stockholm, rose to prominence in 2018 at the age of 15 when she began skipping school to protest outside the Swedish Parliament, calling for stronger action on climate change.

Her solo protest sparked the global movement Fridays for Future, inspiring millions of young people around the world to join in similar demonstrations.

Greta Thunberg is the daughter of opera singer Malena Ernman and actor Svante Thunberg. She learned about climate change at the age of eight and was later at the age of 11 or 12 years, she was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism. Around the same time, she also experienced depression.

In 2019, she gave a impactful speech, in United Nations Climate Action Summit, that brought her widespread international recognition, and she was named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year that same year.

Beyond environmental issues, Greta has also voiced her concerns on humanitarian and political crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Armenia, and Gaza. She advocates for reducing carbon footprints and promotes sustainable living choices, such as avoiding air travel.