Greta Thunberg, once unpopular on Chinese social media, rises in esteem over Gaza
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish environmental activist once widely criticised on Chinese social media, appears to be receiving a rare wave of support in the country, particularly after her bid to call attention to the Israel-Hamas conflict was stopped by Israeli forces who ended her attempt to sail to Gaza.
The 22-year-old activist, along with 11 others,
set sail this month for Gaza hoping to 'break Israel's siege' of the Palestinian territory in a show of solidarity. The boat, carrying aid, was soon intercepted by Israeli forces and taken to Israel, where she was deported back to Europe.
Thunberg's journey – from departure to deportation – was closely followed on Chinese social media, marking a shift in public sentiment compared with reactions to her earlier activism, which earned her the online reference 'the environmental girl'.
'In the past, I used to dismiss the environmentalist girl's words and actions on environmental issues as jokes, but since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, she has consistently and firmly supported Palestine and opposed Israel,' an online commenter posted on Weibo – China's version of Twitter – shortly after Thunberg's attempted sail to Gaza.
'In this regard, she truly practices what she preaches. She even risked her life to go to Gaza. Respect. I hope she stays safe,' the commenter added.
'Everything and everyone has two sides. Although we oppose this 'young girl' on many issues, we support what she is doing now on the Gaza issue,' another user posted on Weibo.
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