Greta Thunberg, the renowned climate activist, was detained along with other activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid boat, the Madleen, which was intercepted by Israeli forces. The incident occurred shortly after the group departed from Italy on June 1, carrying a symbolic cargo of food and supplies intended for the besieged population of Gaza. Israeli authorities made good on their threats, as agents transferred Thunberg to a Tel Aviv airport for deportation, authorities confirmed. Later, she was loaded onto a commercial flight to France.
The Madleen was carrying a small amount of food and humanitarian aid at a time when Gaza’s population faces a severe risk of famine. Israeli officials noted that the interception aimed to prevent the entry of unauthorized aid into the region, which has been under blockade. Thunberg has been spotted aboard the plane to France after agreeing to accept her deportation.
Although Thunberg agreed to depart, many of the peace activists who joined her have not accepted exile and are still through. The activist group’s journey aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has left many residents in desperate need of assistance.
In a surprising development, Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed on his official X (formerly Twitter) account that Thunberg was actually on the flight. In addition, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on Tuesday that the French consul had been allowed to meet with six French nationals arrested by Israeli authorities. According to media reports, one of the detained activists had already agreed to withdraw voluntarily and will be returning soon.
The president of the European Parliament, Rima Hassan, has been in “constant contact” with Israeli authorities regarding the situation of her detained colleagues, emphasizing the need for diplomatic engagement in such humanitarian matters.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas has also spoken out regarding the broader context of the situation in Gaza. He emphasized that “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza and must hand over its weapons and military capabilities to the Palestinian Security Forces,” calling for international support in stabilizing the region.
Thunberg’s intervention drew significant media attention, aligning with ongoing discussions about humanitarian access to Gaza amidst escalating conflict. Opponents of Israel’s actions say that striking a blow against people who try to rescue victims is a new low in savagery. As Greenpeace noted, the Madleen was “illegally seized in international waters by Israeli forces,” raising concerns about freedom of movement and humanitarian efforts.
Given these recent developments, many organizations and activists have denounced Israel. Indeed, they contend that these interceptions completely undermine life-saving humanitarian work. Moreover, they bring attention to broader systemic barriers to human rights in the region.
“Targeting those who aid victims represents an unprecedented level of brutality and criminality.” – Hamas
The interception of Thunberg’s aid mission occurs against a backdrop of severe challenges faced by Gaza’s residents. United Nations and other humanitarian agencies warn that the region is running low on food, medicines, and other essentials. This humanitarian crisis has led to inhumane living conditions for the remaining indigenous population.