Sweden activist Thunberg calls for Palestine solidarity, sparks anger in Germany

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Friday called for solidarity with the Palestinians, which sparked harsh reactions from some German officials.

Thunberg conveyed in a post on Instagram and X: “Today we strike in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza. The world needs to speak up and call for an immediate ceasefire, justice and freedom for Palestinians and all civilians affected.”

Thunberg’s posts received widespread attention on social media platforms and were criticised by some German politicians.

The Commissioner for Combating Anti-Semitism in Baden-Wurttemberg Michael Blume criticised Thunberg’s post, describing it as “dualistic, false and trivialises terrorism.”

Blume added that anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are widespread in the “Fridays for Future” climate movement founded by Thunberg.

German MP Marcel Emmerich told the Die Welt newspaper that parts of the climate movement are: “Going down dangerous anti-Semitic and anti-Israel paths.”

Emmerich added this: “Would be hugely detrimental to the cause achieving greater justice regarding climate change.”

READ: Israel threatens to bomb Al-Quds Hospital in Gaza: Palestinian Red Crescent