Greta Thunberg Deported After Gaza Aid Flotilla Attempt

On October 6, Israeli authorities deported Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and over 170 other activists after they were detained while attempting to reach Gaza aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla, composed of more than 40 vessels and over 437 participants—including lawmakers, lawyers, and humanitarian workers—was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters. Participants were taken to Ketziot Prison in Israel’s Negev Desert before being deported. Thunberg and several others were flown to Athens, Greece.

Israel released photos showing the activists in detention attire, claiming all detainees’ legal rights were respected and dismissing any accusations of mistreatment as part of a “pre-planned fake news campaign.” However, reports from The Guardian and Sweden’s foreign ministry raised serious concerns about the conditions Thunberg faced in custody. Allegations included being held in a bedbug-infested cell, suffering from dehydration and rashes, and being denied adequate food and water. Some activists also claimed they were coerced into posing with flags for official photos—claims that Israeli officials strongly deny.

Thunberg, now 22, has made several attempts to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid amid the ongoing blockade, which has severely impacted food, water, and medical supplies in the region. Her supporters argue that her detention was politically motivated and excessively harsh, particularly given the peaceful and humanitarian intent of the mission.

Israeli authorities maintain that the flotilla violated security regulations and that their actions were lawful and necessary. The incident has sparked international debate over humanitarian access to Gaza, the treatment of foreign activists, and the political implications of Thunberg’s growing involvement in global human rights efforts beyond climate advocacy.