Greta Thunberg Deported from Israel After Attempt to Break Gaza Blockade

Paris/Israel –: Swedish climate and human rights activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday, a day after Israeli naval forces intercepted a small civilian ship attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza.

Thunberg was among 12 pro-Palestinian activists aboard the vessel, which carried humanitarian aid and was sailing in international waters toward Gaza. The Israeli navy stopped the ship and detained the group, escorting them to Israeli territory.

Four activists, including Thunberg, agreed to immediate deportation, while the remaining eight—including French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan—refused repatriation and are currently being held near Tel Aviv airport pending a court decision.

Speaking to reporters upon arrival in Paris, Thunberg strongly criticized the Israeli government’s actions: “We were 12 peaceful volunteers sailing on a civilian ship carrying humanitarian aid in international waters. We did not break laws. We did nothing wrong,” she said, accusing Israeli authorities of “kidnapping” her and her fellow activists.

“There is a continued violation of international law and war crimes that Israel is systematically committing against Palestinians by not letting aid come to starving people,” the 22-year-old stated.

Israel has maintained a strict air, land, and sea blockade on the Gaza Strip for years, citing the need to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas militants. Although limited humanitarian aid is allowed in, most of it is coordinated through groups approved by the Israeli government.

Responding to the activists’ attempt, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the effort as a publicity stunt. “Greta and her friends brought in a tiny amount of aid on their celebrity yacht. It did not help the people of Gaza. This was nothing but a ridiculous gimmick,” Saar told reporters.

Read more: Greta Thunberg, Aid Workers Blocked by Israel from Reaching Starving Gaza

The incident has sparked renewed debate over international activism, Israel’s blockade policy, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.