Greta Thunberg and Hundreds of Activists Deported by Israel After Gaza Aid Flotilla Intercepted
Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, arrived in Greece on Monday to a welcoming crowd of pro-Palestinian supporters after being deported by Israel along with hundreds of other activists. They were detained after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza via the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aimed to break the Israeli naval blockade.
The Interception and Deportation
Israeli authorities stated that they expelled 171 activists on Monday, including Thunberg, bringing the total number of deportees to 341 out of the 479 individuals detained. The flotilla, composed of multiple vessels, was intercepted while attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. A statement issued by the Israeli Foreign Ministry included photos of the activists in detention. According to the Greek Foreign Ministry, 161 of the activists, including Thunberg, 27 Greek citizens, and nationals from nearly 20 other countries, arrived in Athens on Monday.
Anita Anand, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, announced that three detained Canadian citizens were in the process of being released. The remaining deportees hail from various nations, including Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, Serbia, and the United States.
Activists' Allegations of Mistreatment
Upon arrival in their home countries, some activists have alleged mistreatment during their detention by Israeli forces. Members of the flotilla who returned to Switzerland reported sleep deprivation, lack of water and food, and instances of being beaten, kicked, and locked in cages. Spanish activists also claimed mistreatment upon their arrival in Spain, with reports of being beaten, dragged, blindfolded, tied up, and insulted.
"They beat us, dragged us along the ground, blindfolded us, tied our hands and feet, put us in cages and insulted us," lawyer Rafael Borrego told reporters at Madrid’s airport.
Greta Thunberg was reportedly shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag, while others said they had clean food and water withheld and had their medication and belongings confiscated. Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, reported being hit by Israeli police.
Israel's Response and Counter-Arguments
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has refuted these allegations, describing them as "complete lies." They claim that all detainees' legal rights were upheld, and that they had access to water, food, and restrooms. The ministry cited one instance of violence where a Spanish citizen bit a female medic at Ketziot Prison. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that the activists deserved to be treated as terrorists.
Reactions and Statements
On arrival in Athens, Greta Thunberg addressed the crowd, stating: "Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on. Our international systems are betraying Palestinians. They are not even able to prevent the worst war crimes from happening."
Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, who was also on the flotilla, acknowledged mistreatment but said it was "nothing compared to what the Palestinian people suffer every day."
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The activists attempted to reach Gaza with aid supplies to draw attention to the plight of the region, where most of the 2.2 million residents have been displaced and the United Nations reports widespread hunger. Israel rejects accusations of genocide in Gaza and dismisses the flotilla as a publicity stunt benefiting Hamas. The UN has called on Israel to urgently lift the blockade on Gaza and allow the entry of life-saving material.
