Greta Thunberg Deported from Israel After Gaza Aid Attempt

Greta Thunberg, a prominent climate activist, was deported from Israel after being prevented from sailing to Gaza with humanitarian aid. Following her arrival in Paris, she stated that she and her fellow activists had done nothing wrong and accused Israel of kidnapping them.

Thunberg explained that they were peaceful volunteers aboard a civilian ship carrying aid in international waters. She highlighted the war crimes she believes Israel is committing against Palestinians by restricting aid to those facing starvation. The Israeli navy had seized their aid ship, the Madleen, which was attempting to break the naval blockade of Gaza.

While four individuals, including Thunberg, agreed to immediate deportation, eight others contested the repatriation order and were detained near Tel Aviv airport. Among those detained is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European parliament. Thunberg emphasized that they were aware of the risks and their goal was to reach Gaza and distribute the aid.

Israel maintains a strict land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza, citing the need to prevent arms from reaching Hamas militants. Limited food supplies are allowed in, primarily distributed by a group supported by Israel.

Israeli officials have dismissed the sea mission as a publicity stunt. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the aid would be transferred to Gaza through established humanitarian channels.

Thunberg defended the aid effort, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, and mentioned that a larger vessel carrying more cargo was disabled in the Mediterranean by drones allegedly operated by Israel. She also responded to criticism, stating that the world needs more "young angry women."

Thunberg, known for her commitment to reducing carbon emissions, typically travels by train and has previously crossed the Atlantic by boat. In March, Israel imposed a total blockade on supplies to Gaza, which experts say has led to a famine. Over the past two weeks, limited food supplies have been allowed in, primarily distributed by a new Israeli-backed group. Israel claims this is to prevent Hamas from diverting aid, a claim Hamas denies.