Israeli authorities have deported Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg following her detention on a Gaza-bound aid boat, which was intercepted by Israeli forces in the Mediterranean. Thunberg, who has long been a vocal advocate for climate change and humanitarian causes, was aboard the yacht The Madleen with 11 other activists when it was stopped by Israeli military forces early on Monday morning. The boat had set sail from Italy carrying a symbolic amount of aid meant for Gaza, a region currently under a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007. The activists aboard the boat, including Thunberg, were trying to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and defy Israel’s maritime blockade.
Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday morning, with her departure confirmed by the Israeli Foreign Ministry, which stated that she left Tel Aviv on a flight to France. Once she arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Thunberg spoke out, accusing Israel of illegally kidnapping her and the other activists. She described the experience of being detained by Israeli forces as a violation of international law, as the yacht had been intercepted in international waters, approximately 115 miles from Gaza. Thunberg’s deportation was the result of her agreement to leave Israel, while five of the six French citizens detained alongside her have refused to sign deportation orders, and they will now face judicial proceedings in Israel.
The incident, which unfolded amid rising tensions over Gaza, has drawn significant attention. The group, which included citizens from several countries including Sweden, France, Brazil, Germany, and others, was part of a mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). The coalition has called for the immediate release of all detained individuals and has demanded the return of the aid confiscated by Israeli authorities. The aid included baby formula, medicine, and other essential supplies that the activists intended to deliver to Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis has been ongoing.
On Monday evening, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the flotilla’s efforts, calling the boat a “selfie yacht” and downplaying the significance of the mission. In a statement posted on social media, the ministry clarified that the passengers were transferred to Ben Gurion Airport after their arrival at the port of Ashdod, where the boat was diverted by Israeli military forces. The Israeli authorities also warned that anyone refusing to sign deportation documents would be subject to judicial proceedings, in line with Israeli law.
Thunberg’s response to her deportation has been one of defiance, and she has been outspoken about the broader issues surrounding Gaza. In Paris, she said, “Israel committed an illegal act by kidnapping us on international waters and against our will, bringing us to Israel, keeping us in the bottom of the boat, not letting us get out and so on.” While Thunberg was released, she expressed concern for the other activists still in Israeli custody. She added that she had been unable to say goodbye to her fellow detainees and was unsure of their fate.
As Thunberg and other activists made their way to their respective countries, France, in particular, took an active role in ensuring the safety and rights of its detained citizens. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated on social media that French consular officials had been able to see the six French nationals, who included MEP Rima Hassan and two journalists—Omar Faiad of Al Jazeera and Yanis Mhamdi of Blast. Barrot confirmed that one of the detainees had agreed to voluntary deportation, while the others would face forced deportation procedures.
The situation has ignited a wider debate about Israel’s military blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007 after Hamas took control of the region. Israel justifies the blockade as a measure to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organization. However, the blockade has been heavily criticized by international organizations, including the United Nations, for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In recent months, the blockade has led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies, contributing to widespread hunger and suffering among Gaza’s population of 2.1 million people.
Israel’s military actions in Gaza have escalated significantly since October 2023, following a major Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Since then, Israel has launched several military operations aimed at weakening Hamas and securing the release of hostages. This has led to significant casualties in Gaza, with at least 54,927 people reported dead as of June 2025, according to Hamas-run health ministry data. International pressure is mounting for Israel to ease its blockade and allow more aid to flow into Gaza, but Israel insists that its control over aid distribution is necessary for security reasons.
The incident involving Greta Thunberg and the Madleen yacht adds a new layer to the growing controversy over Gaza. Critics of Israel’s blockade argue that the restriction of humanitarian aid to Gaza constitutes collective punishment, violating international law and leading to unnecessary suffering. Thunberg’s participation in this mission underscores her commitment to addressing global injustices, not just those related to climate change, but also to humanitarian causes. By drawing attention to the situation in Gaza, Thunberg and her fellow activists have become a focal point for criticism of Israeli policies in the region.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has defended its actions, stating that the blockade is in line with international law and necessary for the security of Israel. They also argue that unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are unlawful and undermine efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza through approved channels. In response to the Madleen incident, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized the importance of the maritime blockade, stating that it was crucial for preventing the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. He also noted that Israel had eased the blockade in recent weeks to allow for the delivery of basic humanitarian aid, although aid organizations like the UN have expressed concerns that this system contravenes international humanitarian principles.
The tensions surrounding the blockade and the interception of the Madleen yacht highlight the complexity of the Gaza crisis. While Israel maintains that its actions are justified in the name of security, many international actors, including human rights organizations, argue that the blockade and military operations are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The events surrounding Thunberg’s deportation have brought the issue back into the global spotlight, with activists and governments alike calling for greater accountability and action to address the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population.
For Thunberg, the incident has become yet another chapter in her activism, which has spanned a variety of global issues from climate change to human rights. Though her deportation from Israel is a setback for her mission, she remains resolute in her stance on the situation in Gaza. She reiterated that the true crisis in the region lies not in the political or military maneuvers but in the humanitarian disaster unfolding there, driven by the blockade and the lack of access to essential resources.
As international efforts to address the Gaza crisis continue, the actions of Israel, along with those of countries like France, Sweden, and others, will likely continue to influence the debate. Greta Thunberg’s role in drawing attention to the situation may have already sparked broader discussions about the ethics of Israel’s blockade and the international community’s response. Whether her deportation will prompt any change in Israel’s policies or inspire further activism in support of Gaza remains to be seen, but it has certainly added to the growing global pressure for an end to the blockade and a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
