Israeli authorities deported Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday, just a day after her participation in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla resulted in the seizure of her ship by Israeli naval forces. Thunberg, along with other activists aboard the vessel Madleen, was aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance.
Speaking to reporters upon her arrival in Paris while en route to Sweden, Thunberg described the circumstances of their detention as “quite chaotic and uncertain.” However, she quickly added perspective to their experience by saying, “The conditions they faced are absolutely nothing compared to what people are going through in Palestine and especially Gaza right now.” She emphasized that the mission was intended to protest the harsh Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, a territory now struggling to support over 2 million people following 20 months of war.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, the aim of the journey was to break through the blockade and deliver aid directly to Gaza. Thunberg acknowledged the risks involved, stating, “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.” Despite the setback, she affirmed the activists’ commitment to continue supporting the people of Gaza, saying, “The activists would continue trying to get aid to Gaza.”
During the same week, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Thunberg, labeling her “a young angry person” and suggesting she take anger management classes. Responding to the remark, Thunberg retorted, “I think the world need a lot more young angry women.”
Thunberg shared more details about her experience, noting she hadn’t had access to a phone for several days and was looking forward to a shower. She said the activists were held separately, with some facing difficulties in obtaining legal representation. When asked why she agreed to be deported, she replied candidly, “Why would I want to stay in an Israeli prison more than necessary?”
She also issued a plea to her supporters around the world to urge their governments not only to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza but also to push for an end to what she described as the systematic oppression of the Palestinian people. “Ask your governments to demand not only humanitarian aid being let into Gaza but most importantly an end to the occupation and an end to the systemic oppression and violence that Palestinians are facing on an everyday basis,” she said. Furthermore, she added, “Recognizing Palestine is the very, very, very minimum that governments can do to help.”
The vessel Madleen, carrying Thunberg and 11 other passengers, was intercepted without incident early Monday by Israeli naval forces approximately 200 kilometers, or about 125 miles, from the Gaza coast. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, along with various rights organizations, condemned the Israeli action, asserting that intercepting the boat in international waters constituted a violation of international law. Israel dismissed the accusation, claiming the flotilla aimed to breach a lawful naval blockade imposed on Gaza and asserting its right to enforce the blockade.
Officials in Israel reportedly viewed the flotilla as more of a publicity move than a genuine humanitarian effort. They derisively referred to the vessel as the “selfie yacht” and downplayed the significance of the aid it carried, noting that it was less than what would fit in a single truck.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed that Thunberg, two other activists, and a journalist were deported. The group said it had advised some participants to accept deportation in order to speak freely about their experiences. However, eight others refused deportation and remained in detention awaiting legal proceedings. Adalah, a legal advocacy group based in Israel and representing the detained activists, said those individuals were expected to appear in court later Tuesday.
“Their detention is unlawful, politically motivated and a direct violation of international law,” the Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated. It called for the immediate release of the remaining detainees and urged authorities to permit them to complete their journey to Gaza. Lawyers representing the detainees were preparing to argue for their right to proceed.
Israeli Interior Ministry spokesperson Sabine Haddad explained that those activists deported on Tuesday had waived their right to appear before a judge. In contrast, those who opted to contest their deportation would appear in court and could be detained for up to 96 hours before further action was taken.
One of the high-profile detainees was Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent. Hassan had previously been banned from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies. It was unclear whether she would be deported or detained. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that one French national signed an expulsion order and was to leave on Tuesday, while five others declined to do so. All of them reportedly received visits from French consular officials.
Sergio Toribio, a Spanish activist who arrived back in Barcelona, strongly condemned Israel’s actions. “It is unforgivable, it is a violation of our rights. It is a pirate attack in international waters,” he told reporters, echoing the outrage expressed by many in the international community.
The situation in Gaza remains dire. The region, controlled by the Hamas militant group since 2007, has long been under varying degrees of blockade by both Israel and Egypt. Israel insists the blockade is necessary to prevent the smuggling of weapons to Hamas, while critics argue that the policy amounts to collective punishment of the Gaza population.
Since the outbreak of war 20 months ago, Israel has imposed even stricter restrictions on aid, often blocking essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine. International experts warn that these measures are driving Gaza toward widespread famine. Israel, however, contends that Hamas routinely diverts aid to maintain its grip on power.
The current conflict was sparked by a violent attack on October 7, during which Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. While many of those hostages have been released in ceasefire deals or exchanges, Hamas still holds 55 individuals, with more than half believed to have died.
In response, Israel launched a sweeping military campaign in Gaza that, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, has resulted in the deaths of over 54,000 Palestinians. The ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, but reports that the majority of casualties have been women and children.
The war has also left large portions of Gaza in ruins, displacing around 90 percent of the territory’s residents. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international pressure continues to mount on Israel to allow unimpeded delivery of aid and to seek a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict.