Greta Thunberg Deported from Israel After Gaza Aid Mission Intercepted

Thunberg, along with other activists on a humanitarian mission to Gaza, was taken into Israeli custody before being deported to France. She condemned the action as illegal and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for global attention to the situation.

 

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel just one day after the Gaza-bound aid boat she was on, The Madleen, was intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean. Thunberg was reported to have left Tel Aviv Tuesday morning on a flight destined for France after agreeing to her deportation, which was confirmed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Upon her arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, Thunberg alleged that Israel had committed "an illegal act by kidnapping us" while they were in international waters. While six French nationals on the boat were also detained, five of them refused to sign the deportation orders and now face judicial proceedings in Israel, according to French officials.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which operated The Madleen, called for the immediate release of all detained activists, asserting the group's intent was to deliver a "symbolic" amount of aid to Gaza to draw attention to the dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israel's maritime blockade. Israel's Ministry deemed the mission a frivolous “selfie yacht” operation and stated that it would not condone unauthorized attempts to breach its blockade, which it claims is consistent with international law.

Thunberg and the other activists reported that their boat was intercepted by Israeli forces early Monday morning while they were approximately 185 kilometers west of Gaza. They alleged that the vessel was surrounded, sprayed with a chemical irritant, and had communications jammed. Video evidence released by FFC illustrated passengers surrendering and documenting the incident.

Highlighting the gravity of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Thunberg noted that food, medicine, and water are critically needed yet are being denied entry due to the blockade. Despite the Israeli government’s insistence that it is following international guidelines with the blockade, humanitarian organizations have claimed the policies are causing a humanitarian disaster for Gaza's population.

Thunberg expressed concern for her fellow activists left behind in Israel, stating she was unsure of their fate and had not been able to say goodbye prior to her deportation. The FFC continues to maintain that their mission was lawful and that their apprehension violates international law.

The Israeli authorities confirmed that the aid intended for Gaza, including baby formula and medicine, would be delivered through recognized humanitarian channels. The incident, which has drawn international condemnation, underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the blockade on Gaza and calls for humanitarian intervention.