Greta Thunberg Claims Detention by Israeli Navy During Gaza Aid Mission
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg publicly accused Israeli forces of forcibly detaining her and others in international waters while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Arriving in Paris on Tuesday, she described the incident as a blatant violation of international law.
Interception of Aid Vessel in International Waters
The vessel, named Madleen, was carrying a group of pro-Palestinian activists from several countries, including France, Germany, Brazil, Turkey, Sweden, Spain, and the Netherlands. Their mission was to break the Israeli blockade on Gaza by delivering food and supplies.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the boat approximately 185 kilometers (115 miles) off the Gaza coast, detaining the passengers. While five French activists who refused to leave voluntarily were taken into custody, Thunberg was deported by an Israeli commercial flight to Paris.
Thunberg Speaks Out Against Gaza Blockade
Upon arrival in Paris, Thunberg expressed her outrage, stating, "We were kidnapped in international waters and taken against our will to Israel." She emphasized her experience paled in comparison to the suffering endured by Palestinians under the blockade.
Thunberg further condemned the ongoing conditions in Gaza, labeling them as systematic violations that amount to war crimes. She criticized the global response, highlighting governments' "silence and passivity" amid what she called a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Broader Conflict: Context and Casualties
The incident is set against the backdrop of a devastating conflict that escalated after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, mainly civilians. Gaza's health ministry reports nearly 55,000 fatalities, predominantly civilians, since the conflict began. These figures have been regarded as credible by international organizations.
The ongoing blockade severely restricts the flow of aid into Gaza, fueling widespread starvation and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Activists like Thunberg have sought to challenge this by attempting aid deliveries via sea.
Determined to Continue Advocacy
Despite this setback, Thunberg vowed to persist in her campaign. She lamented the betrayal felt by those witnessing governmental inaction and declared, "We will not stop. We will try every single day to demand an end to the atrocities."
Her involvement in the Gaza aid mission aligns with her broader commitment to justice and humanitarian causes, extending beyond her well-known climate activism.
