Greta Thunberg Affirms Recognition Of Palestinian Countries Must Be Accompanied By Real Actions

climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday challenged countries that have recognized the Palestinian State to support what he called "symbolic conditions" by putting greater pressure on Israel to end its attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Thunberg is trying to reach Gaza with a fleet of ships aimed at breaking Israel's sea blockade, sending food and other humanitarian supplies to the destroyed enclave.

"Of course it's good that the Palestinian struggle is more of an agenda, but this symbolic signal won't produce anything unless it's accompanied by concrete action," Thunberg told Reuters via video conference while at sea near Greece.

Thunberg further said countries have a legal obligation to carry out all their efforts to stop what the United Nations Inquiry Commission described and human rights groups as "genocide".

Israel itself denies its military campaign in Gaza is genocide, instead saying the recognition of the Palestinian State provides "gifts to terrorism".

Thunberg has failed in its bid to penetrate Israel's sea blockade in Gaza by sailing to the region in June with other activists. Israeli forces seized their small aid vessels and they were deported from the country.

Most recently, Global Sumud Flotilla, which consists of more than 50 civilian ships with thousands of registered participants from 44 countries, is again trying to penetrate the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Two weeks ago, its members reported being attacked by two separate drone strikes while anchored at a port in Tunisia, although all passengers and crew were not injured. Tunisia said it was investigating, without accusing any party or state.

"There are drones flying over us every night, but for Palestinians, especially in Gaza, the drone is constantly dropping bombs," said Thunberg, wearing its signature frog-shaped green hat.

"This mission is about Gaza, it's not about us. And there is no risk we can take that can approach the risks Palestinians face every day," he explained.

Israel's Foreign Ministry said the fleet's mission served Hamas, instead of the Gazan people.

The 22-year-old Swedish activist has stepped down from the Sumud Fleet steering committee following a dispute over his communications strategy.

Thunberg said he believed he could contribute better to the mission beyond leadership and the decision "not at all" affected his commitment to the Palestinian struggle.