Greta Thunberg, once unpopular on Chinese social media, rises in esteem on 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.