The coordinator of the Left Bloc (BE) and the party’s sole parliamentary deputy, Mariana Mortágua, is aboard one of the humanitarian flotilla ships headed to Gaza. On Wednesday, she shared a conversation on TikTok with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.
Mariana Mortágua began by asking Greta about this being her third attempt to reach Gaza and why she continues to try.
“We promised the Palestinians that we would continue to do everything in our power to advocate for a free Palestine, and that’s what we’re trying to do because giving up is simply not an option,” the Swedish activist stated.
Greta Thunberg emphasized that when facing oppression, genocide, and war crimes happening daily, there is a “duty” to “do something.”
@marianarmortagua Swedish activist Greta Thunberg speaks to the Portuguese delegation part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, explaining why she is on her third mission to break the siege on Gaza. She recalls the values guiding her activism and reflects on how justice and dignity—both for people and the environment—are interconnected.
“We will continue to return until we achieve our goals. What we’re doing is answering Palestinian calls to end our complicity and act in solidarity with them, utilizing all tools at our disposal, for example, these boats. We can use our bodies to try and reach there,” she continued.
The young activist pointed out that undertaking this voyage is “an act of perseverance.”
Mariana Mortágua further inquired why Greta was there, noting her recognition in other activism areas such as climate activism.
“I haven’t changed the focus of my activism,” she replied, adding that she is “acting according to the same values” and “the principles of justice, freedom, and the well-being of humans, the Planet, and our ecosystems.”
“For me, they are profoundly interconnected. We can’t have climate or environmental justice if people are being bombed and there is mass hunger. We can’t be concerned with trees and ecosystems if entire countries are being eradicated and people are starving,” she stated.
She continued: “What is happening in Gaza is at the core of our morality. Our conscience is now focused on Gaza, and what’s happening against Palestinians is clearly an extension and attack on humanity in general and on international systems supposed to uphold international law and protect people, which in every way is failing.”
Towards the end of the video, Mariana Mortágua emphasized that Greta Thunberg “explained very well” the reason for their presence on the Humanitarian Flotilla: “We are here to tell the Israeli government that more people will come after us and will keep coming until the [humanitarian aid] corridor is open. That is an important issue worldwide for many people.”
It should be noted that Mariana Mortágua is aboard one of several boats headed to Gaza carrying humanitarian aid. These boats contain hundreds of people, including activists and public figures from 44 countries. The humanitarian fleet bound for Gaza is named ‘Global Sumud Flotilla.’
Boat set sail on Sunday… but had to return to Barcelona
The ‘Global Sumud Flotilla,’ consisting of several vessels loaded with humanitarian aid, food, and medicine, departed around 4:00 PM (local time) from Barcelona on Sunday but had to return to Spain a few hours later due to bad weather.
It set sail again on Monday, headed for Gaza.
Ships departed on Sunday afternoon from Barcelona to Gaza but had to return to Spain a few hours later due to bad weather. A new departure was decided on Monday morning.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 09:57 – 01/09/2025
“Participation in the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ has no linkage to the Portuguese State”
The Government stated that it has no international legal obligation to accompany and protect the flotilla heading to Gaza with deputy Mariana Mortágua, activist Miguel Duarte, and actress Sofia Aparício. Conversely, Spain provides diplomatic protection to the flotilla.
“Participation in the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’ is an autonomous civil society initiative with no linkage or binding to the Portuguese State,” stated the entity headed by Paulo Rangel in response to the Observador newspaper regarding the mission.
The ministry noted that, “in light of international law, there is no legal obligation on the part of the Portuguese State to protect the ship or its crew.”
The Government maintains no international obligation to accompany and protect the flotilla headed to Gaza with deputy Mariana Mortágua, activist Miguel Duarte, and actress Sofia Aparício. On the other hand, Spain ensures diplomatic protection for the flotilla.
Notícias ao Minuto with Lusa | 08:09 – 31/08/2025
