Greta Thunberg set out to bring life-saving humanitarian aid to Gaza—she returned home branded a deportee. The world-famous climate activist was among 12 international human rights defenders aboard a vessel bound for the besieged Gaza Strip when it was forcibly intercepted by the Israeli navy. The events that followed are raising alarming questions about Israel’s actions, international law, and the global community’s silence.
Israeli Navy Blocks Gaza-Bound Ship, Detains Thunberg and Fellow Activists
On June 9, 2025, the vessel Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, sailed toward Gaza in a daring attempt to challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of the region. The boat carried 12 activists and much-needed humanitarian aid, including medical supplies and baby formula.
But before it could reach its destination, the Israeli navy intercepted the Madleen—in international waters, approximately 185 kilometers from Gaza. The activists, including Greta Thunberg, were forcibly detained and taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Israel justified its actions by claiming the blockade is essential to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. The government dismissed the aid mission as a mere “publicity stunt,” stating the supplies would be delivered through “real humanitarian channels.”
Greta Thunberg Was Deported, But Who Is Still Detained?
Greta Thunberg was among the first activists deported following the controversial interception. After being detained in the Israeli port of Ashdod, she was flown to France and then returned to Sweden. Thunberg, who had joined the mission to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, publicly condemned Israel’s actions, stating that she and her fellow activists were “kidnapped” in international waters despite committing no illegal act.
Read also: Who Was on the Gaza Aid Ship With Greta Thunberg? Meet the 12 Volunteers Israel Detained
Among those still imprisoned in Israel is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. The detained activists argue that both their interception and continued detention violate international maritime law.
Current deportation status:
- Deported: Greta Thunberg (Sweden), Baptiste Andre (France), Sergio Toribio (Spain), Omar Faiad (France)
- Still detained: Suayb Ordu (Turkey), Mark van Rennes (Netherlands), Pascal Maurieras (France), Reva Viard (France), Rima Hassan (France), Thiago Avila (Brazil), Yanis Mhamdi (France), Yasemin Acar (Germany)
Legal teams representing the detainees claim that the Madleen was operating within international law, delivering protected humanitarian aid and posing no security threat.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has been pictured on a plane after Israel’s Foreign Ministry said they had deported her.
Thunberg was one of 12 people on board the Madleen aid ship, which was seized by the military while attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/1Oco9YXnRr
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 10, 2025
Multiple international bodies have condemned Israel’s actions:
- The European Parliament’s Left group called the incident a “blatant violation of international law.”
- Amnesty International stated that Israel has an obligation to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and condemned the interception as illegal.
- Protests have erupted across France and other European cities demanding the immediate release of the detained activists.
Despite the criticism, Israel maintains its position. Officials insist the naval blockade is necessary to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza and that aid should be delivered via official channels only.
This rationale is being fiercely challenged by international legal experts and human rights organizations, who argue that blocking essential aid is a violation of humanitarian law—and that intercepting a civilian vessel in international waters amounts to an act of aggression.
As of now, eight activists remain imprisoned, while Greta Thunberg’s accusations continue to echo globally. Whether Israel’s actions will lead to further legal consequences—or an international reckoning—remains to be seen.
