Israel has deported Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg along with 170 other pro-Palestinian activists. These individuals were detained by Israeli forces when their flotilla, attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza to deliver aid, was intercepted last week. Upon arrival in Athens, Thunberg was greeted by supporters and described the flotilla as the largest effort to date to break the blockade.
She criticized governments for failing to act, stating, “My so-called leaders… do not represent me.” Thunberg also alluded to mistreatment and abuses experienced during their detention, though she did not elaborate.
The Israeli foreign ministry confirmed the deportation of activists to Greece and Slovakia, including citizens from various European nations, the US, and the UK. The ministry refuted claims of mistreatment, calling them “fake news” and a “pre-planned campaign.” They stated that all activists’ legal rights were upheld and cited a single incident where a Spanish national bit a medical worker during a routine examination before deportation.
More than 340 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) have been deported, while 138 remain in detention, with over 40 reportedly on hunger strike. The GSF stated its mission was to break the “illegal and inhumane siege on Gaza,” open a humanitarian corridor, and end the “ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” asserting that the interceptions violated international law.
Israeli authorities maintained they were enforcing a legal blockade and dismissed the flotilla as a “publicity stunt,” noting it carried only two tons of aid. The UN has urged Israel to lift the blockade, emphasizing its obligation as an occupying power to ensure adequate food and medical supplies for Gaza’s population.
The Israeli military’s operation in Gaza began in response to the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 460 Palestinians have died from malnutrition since the war began, with 182 deaths recorded since the famine declaration.