Israel Deports 171 Gaza Flotilla Activists, Including Greta Thunberg

Israel has deported 171 foreign activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who were detained after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla attempting to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. The activists were flown to Greece and Slovakia, with citizens from Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Norway, the UK, Serbia, and the United States among them.

The flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, comprised over 40 civilian boats carrying approximately 470 people. Organizers stated their mission was to "break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people." Israeli authorities intercepted the flotilla about 70 nautical miles off the Gaza coast in international waters, labeling the operation a "PR stunt" and asserting that the blockade is legal.

Some activists have alleged mistreatment during detention. Nine Swiss nationals reported "inhumane detention conditions and the humiliating and degrading treatment," including sleep deprivation, inadequate food and water, physical abuse, and confinement in cages. Israeli authorities have denied these allegations, stating that the activists' legal rights "were and will continue to be fully upheld." The Israeli foreign ministry described the activists' claims as part of a "pre-planned fake news campaign."

The flotilla's interception and subsequent deportations have drawn international attention, particularly due to Thunberg's involvement. The incident has sparked global protests and high-profile criticism, including from former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who described the prison conditions as lawless and abusive. Israel denies all accusations and claims proper treatment was given, despite counter-accusations such as one activist allegedly biting a medical staff member.

The flotilla's mission coincided with reports of a famine in Gaza City, with the UN calling on Israel to urgently lift the blockade and allow the entry of life-saving material. Israel has disputed these findings and insists it acts in accordance with international law, facilitating the entry of aid while maintaining security measures.