Greta Thunberg Deported After Israel Seizes Gaza-Bound Aid Ship Amid Rising Global Criticism

Jerusalem/Paris, June 10, 2025 – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday following the Israeli Navy’s seizure of the aid vessel Madleen, which attempted to breach the longstanding naval blockade on Gaza. The incident, which unfolded in international waters, has sparked renewed global scrutiny of Israel’s military tactics and humanitarian policy in the region.

The Madleen, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was intercepted between 125 and 200 kilometers off Gaza’s coast. According to Israeli authorities, the ship carried what they termed a symbolic and “meager” shipment of rice, baby formula, and medical supplies. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the mission as a “selfie yacht” intended more for publicity than meaningful humanitarian impact.

Thunberg, along with three other activists and a journalist, voluntarily accepted deportation and boarded flights to France and Sweden without contesting their expulsion in court. Eight other passengers, including French MEP Rima Hassan, refused deportation and remain in custody at Givon Prison near Ramla, awaiting judicial hearings.

Speaking from Paris after her release, Thunberg condemned the Israeli raid, calling it “a kidnapping in international waters” and accusing the Israeli government of committing “war crimes” by denying essential supplies to Gaza. Israel’s Interior Ministry confirmed that those who left waived their right to legal review, while the remaining detainees will face court proceedings within 96 hours.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz defended the military operation and reportedly forced the detained activists to watch footage of the October 7 Hamas attack, a move that some described as coercive and provocative. The Israeli government maintains that the naval blockade is legally recognized and essential for national security.

The international reaction has been swift and divided. Amnesty International condemned the raid as illegal and demanded the release of all detained passengers. Several European lawmakers voiced outrage and called for diplomatic interventions. The governments of France and Sweden have confirmed consular visits to their respective nationals held in Israeli custody.

In the United States, former President Donald Trump mocked Thunberg on social media, describing her as a “young, angry person” in need of “anger management,” while defending Israel’s decision to deport her. “They’ve got enough problems without kidnapping her,” he added, sarcastically referencing her global activism.

As legal proceedings continue and diplomatic pressure mounts, the seizure of the Madleen has reignited debates around the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the international community’s response. The episode also raises broader questions about the rights of activists operating in contested maritime zones and the role of civilian-led humanitarian interventions in high-conflict areas.