Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday after participating in a daring attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea — a mission that was quickly intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean.
Thunberg, 21, was among 12 activists aboard The Madleen, a small aid boat organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), when it was halted in international waters about 185 km off the coast of Gaza. The group hoped to draw global attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and challenge Israel’s longstanding maritime blockade.
After hours of silence, communications blackouts, and reports of drones and irritant sprays used during the interception, Thunberg and the other activists were taken to Ashdod port and later transferred to Tel Aviv. While most of the group refused to sign deportation papers, Thunberg agreed — albeit under protest — and was put on a flight to Paris.
Speaking upon her arrival in France, Thunberg didn’t mince her words: “We were kidnapped in international waters, kept below deck, denied freedom of movement. But that’s not the biggest story. The real story is the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza — people starving, dying without medicine or clean water.”
French officials confirmed five French nationals remain in Israeli custody, including journalist Omar Faiad from Al Jazeera, and MEP Rima Hassan. Reporters Without Borders has raised concerns over press freedom, as at least two journalists were aboard the boat to document the mission.
The Israeli government dismissed the voyage as a “gimmick,” branding the boat a “selfie yacht.” They insisted the blockade is legal and necessary to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza. Aid items on board — baby formula, medicine, and water purifiers — were confiscated and, according to Israeli officials, will be rerouted “through official humanitarian channels.”
Yet the FFC continues to call for the immediate release of those detained. “Their seizure was unlawful. Humanitarian action is not a crime,” the group said.
In video footage released by the coalition, activists are seen sitting calmly with their hands raised as heavily armed Israeli troops board. A pre-recorded message from Thunberg, made in anticipation of interception, ends with a quiet plea: “Tell my government to bring us home. We were only trying to help.”
As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, voices like Thunberg’s continue to raise the moral question: when politics fails, do people have a right — or even a duty — to act?
