Greta Thunberg Deported Following Israeli Seizure of Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel
Climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on June 10, following the interception of a humanitarian aid vessel bound for Gaza. The boat, named Madleen, carried a total of 12 activists aiming to deliver aid to the war-torn Palestinian enclave.
Interception and Detention at Sea
Israeli naval forces seized the Madleen yacht, which was flagged in the United Kingdom and operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The vessel was towing humanitarian supplies such as rice and baby formula when it was intercepted and subsequently towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
The detained group included individuals from diverse countries including Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Among those aboard were French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan and French journalist Omar Faiad from Al Jazeera.
Thunberg’s Detention and Deportation
Images shared by the Israeli Foreign Ministry showed the 22-year-old Swedish activist on a flight back to Sweden via France. According to a legal rights group representing Thunberg and other detainees, some activists, including Thunberg, agreed to deportation. However, several others who resisted are being held in detention centers pending legal review by Israeli authorities.
Activist’s Video Statement and International Reactions
Before the vessel’s interception, Thunberg recorded a video released by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, stating, “If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupational forces or forces that support Israel.” She also called on supporters to urge the Swedish government to secure her release and that of the other activists.
Meanwhile, the claim of kidnapping sparked contrasting responses abroad. U.S. President dismissed Thunberg’s allegations, describing her as a “young, angry person” and suggested she could benefit from anger management classes rather than emphasizing the incident.
Humanitarian Mission Amidst Crisis
The Madleen mission aimed to spotlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza by delivering essential supplies to its people. This move highlights the persistent complexities and tensions surrounding aid delivery in conflict zones.
Summary: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel after being detained aboard a flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli navy intercepted the vessel carrying 12 activists, sparking international debate over the legality and ethics of the seizure.
