Greta Thunberg Deported from Israel After Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Seized; Israeli Forces Showed Activists Footage of Hamas Atrocities
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel after being detained by Israeli forces along with several other activists. The incident occurred following the seizure of the Madeleine, a ship carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). According to the organization, the vessel was intercepted in international waters by the Israeli navy and forcibly redirected to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
The FFC claimed that the Israeli military used a white, paint-like substance during the seizure, which caused eye irritation among activists. Furthermore, the ship’s communication systems were reportedly jammed, making it difficult for the crew to seek help or broadcast their situation. In a video released on social media, Greta Thunberg stated that their ship had been “hijacked in international waters.”
Upon arrival in Israel, the activists were given medical checkups, as confirmed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that all detainees, including Thunberg, were shown a documentary detailing the brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7. However, according to Gallant, Greta and some other activists refused to continue watching the footage, choosing instead to close their eyes or look away. “They refused to acknowledge the atrocities committed by Hamas,” Gallant stated.
After being held briefly, Greta Thunberg and two other activists agreed to voluntary deportation and were flown to France. The Israeli Foreign Ministry shared an image of Thunberg boarding the plane. Meanwhile, other detained activists who refused deportation remain in Israeli custody for further processing.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the aid mission, strongly condemned the interception. They stated that the ship was carrying critical humanitarian supplies, including food, children’s items, and medical aid, for civilians in Gaza, where access to basic necessities has been severely restricted for over 11 weeks. The organization labeled the seizure as illegal and described it as a “kidnapping” of both the ship and its passengers.
International responses have varied. Hamas, the group in control of Gaza, demanded Greta Thunberg’s immediate release and condemned the Israeli action as a violation of international maritime law. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the news by repeating his previous criticism of Thunberg, describing her as “unique, young, and angry,” and suggesting once again that she “take anger management classes.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate and intensified tensions between human rights organizations and the Israeli government. It has also raised questions about the legal boundaries of maritime operations, the treatment of activists, and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
