Greta Thunberg was deported by Israel on Tuesday, one day after the Gaza-bound ship she was on was dramatically seized by the Israeli military in “international waters”
Greta Thunberg displayed more confidence than world leaders and “silently mocked her critics,” a body language expert says.
The climate campaigner yesterday described a “quite chaotic and uncertain” situation during her detention, following the capture of the Gaza-bound ship she was on. She spoke to reporters in Paris en route to her home country of Sweden and, during the address, the 22-year-old activist maintained composure and conviction, it is said.
Judi James, a body language expert, said: “Her body language suggests a sense of powerful self-affirmation for her messages. Her conviction looks unassailable. She seems to offer facts not opinions and there is her wry smile that seems to mock anyone who disagrees with her.”
And Greta did cause controversy after repeatedly claiming she was “kidnapped” by the Israeli authorities. The campaigner said she and the other 11 activists on the boat, called Madleen, were taken “against our own will” after the interception.
But the body language expert believes Greta used all the skill of a political pro to sway critics. Ms James added: “Her wry smile as she begins to talk gives that impression of superiority, as though she is silently mocking her critics… When she speaks she utilises many of the communication devices world leaders use to project power and authority.” She also told Mail Online Greta’s “youthful appearance tends to add to the image of a heroine as she appears as a loner”.
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Madleen was carrying food and supplies for Gaza. However, the Israeli authorities branded the vessel “a selfie yacht” and said “unauthorised attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts” in a damning statement on Monday.
Donald Trump also proved to be a fierce critic, describing Greta as a “young, angry person” and suggesting she should seek “anger management classes”. In response to this, Greta said: “I think the world needs a lot more young angry women.”
Of the 12 activists onboard the boat, four including Greta agreed to be deported immediately. The Swede has now called for the release of the other campaigners, who are from all over the world.
“We were well aware of the risks of this mission. The aim was to get to Gaza and to be able to distribute the aid,” Greta told reporters in Paris. Israel has placed restrictions on aid to Gaza’s population of more than two million people. The activists had called on governments to do more to help the citizens.
Polling, though, shows almost two thirds of Brits believe the UK should suspend all arms sales to Israel, while 60% think a trade deal between the two nations should be suspended.