Greta Thunberg Deported After Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Seized by Israeli Navy
- Victor Nwoko
- 19 hours ago
- 3 min read
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday, a day after the Israeli navy seized the Gaza-bound aid ship she was aboard. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that Thunberg was flown to France before returning to her home country of Sweden. A photo released by the ministry showed Thunberg, who typically avoids air travel for environmental reasons, seated on the flight.
Thunberg was among 12 passengers on the Madleen, a vessel organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and protest Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the territory. The coalition and supporting human rights groups described the ship’s seizure—roughly 200 kilometers off Gaza’s coast—as a violation of international law. Israel maintains that the vessel attempted to breach what it claims is a legal naval blockade of Gaza.
The Madleen, escorted by Israeli naval forces, was brought to the Israeli port of Ashdod on Monday evening. According to Adalah, a legal rights group representing the activists, Thunberg, two other passengers, and a journalist agreed to deportation. Eight other activists refused and were placed in detention, with their cases pending before Israeli authorities.
Israel’s Interior Ministry spokesperson Sabine Haddad said those who chose deportation waived their right to appear before a judge. Others would be held for up to 96 hours pending legal review.
Among the passengers was Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, who has previously been denied entry into Israel over her criticism of its policies. Her legal status as of Tuesday remained unclear. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that one French detainee had agreed to deportation, while five others refused. All received consular visits.
Sergio Toribio, a Spanish activist who was deported to Barcelona, condemned the Israeli navy’s actions, calling it “a pirate attack in international waters” and “a violation of our rights.”
Adalah and Amnesty International denounced the seizure, stating that the ship was in international waters and bound for Palestinian territorial waters—not Israel. They argued that Israel had no legal jurisdiction to board the ship and arrest unarmed civilians transporting humanitarian aid. Amnesty called for the immediate and unconditional release of the activists.
Israeli officials dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, nicknaming the vessel the “selfie yacht” and asserting that it carried a negligible amount of aid—less than the contents of a single truck. Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Israel and Egypt have enforced a blockade on the coastal enclave. Israel contends the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from importing weapons. Critics argue it constitutes collective punishment, especially amid the ongoing war.
Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, Israel has imposed severe restrictions on aid entering Gaza, including food, medicine, and fuel. Humanitarian experts warn these policies have pushed Gaza toward famine. Israel alleges that Hamas diverts aid to support its operations.
The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing approximately 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. Over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing Israeli offensive, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which states that women and children comprise the majority of casualties. The war has decimated large parts of Gaza and displaced nearly 90% of its population, leaving them dependent on dwindling humanitarian aid.
Comments