French Doctor Claims Israeli Authorities Abused Greta Thunberg and Passengers
A humanitarian aid boat en route to Gaza, carrying 12 passengers including climate activist Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces approximately 200 kilometers from the Gaza coast. Following the interception, a French doctor aboard the vessel came forward with serious allegations of mistreatment by Israeli authorities.
Allegations of Harsh Treatment and Deprivation
Dr. Baptiste André, who was on the aid boat, described the conditions passengers endured after detention. He reported that Israeli officials repeatedly mocked the group and deliberately disrupted their rest by playing loud music and dancing whenever anyone tried to sleep—particularly targeting Greta Thunberg. The detainees also faced difficulties accessing basic provisions like food and water.
“I can’t speak as a legal expert, but the treatment we received amounted to clear mistreatment,” André stated shortly after returning to France.
The Context: The Aid Mission and Its Interception
The vessel, named Madleen, was organized by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition and set sail from Italy on June 1 with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Out of the 12 individuals aboard, four—including Greta Thunberg—agreed to sign deportation papers to return home. The remaining eight remain in Israeli custody pending a court hearing.
Greta Thunberg Speaks Out
Upon her return to Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport, Thunberg accused Israel of unlawfully detaining the passengers in international waters and forcibly bringing them to Israeli territory. She described the incident as a blatant violation of human rights amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis due to Israel's blockade of Gaza.
“This is yet another intentional violation of rights, adding to the long list of abuses Israel commits,” she said. Thunberg emphasized that the voyage was a peaceful protest aimed at highlighting the blockade’s impact on Gaza’s residents.
Israel's Response to the Incident
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities dismissed the mission as a mere publicity stunt, labeling the boat a “selfie yacht” and asserting that it violated Israel’s naval blockade regulations.
Looking Ahead
The situation remains tense as eight passengers still await a court hearing in Israel. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict over Gaza's blockade and raises pressing questions about the treatment of humanitarian activists attempting to deliver aid.
