Greta Thunberg Deported to Greece Following Israeli Detention After Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception

Activists Released After Gaza Aid Attempt

Greta Thunberg, the prominent Swedish climate activist, was among 171 activists deported to Greece on Monday, October 6, 2025, following their detention by the Israeli Navy. The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of approximately 40 to 42 vessels that sought to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The interception of the flotilla, which initially involved the detention of over 450 individuals, occurred in international waters between October 1 and October 2, 2025. The deportations brought the total number of activists released to 341, with 138 reportedly remaining in Israeli custody.

Interception and Detention Details

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, aimed to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza. The Israeli Navy intercepted the vessels in international waters, asserting that the blockade was lawful and necessary to prevent Hamas from importing weapons. Activists, journalists, and lawmakers from numerous countries were aboard the ships. Following their interception, the detained individuals, including Thunberg, were transported to Israel and held at facilities such as the Ketziot prison in the Negev desert. The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the flotilla's mission as a 'publicity stunt'.

Deportation to Greece and Allegations of Mistreatment

On October 6, 2025, Greta Thunberg and 170 other activists were flown from Israel to Athens, Greece. The deportees represented various nationalities, including 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. Upon arrival at Athens International Airport, supporters greeted the activists, who unfurled a large Palestinian flag and chanted 'Freedom for Palestine!'.

Several activists, including Thunberg, alleged mistreatment during their detention, citing harsh conditions, insufficient food and water, and physical violence. One Turkish activist claimed that 'They dragged little Greta by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag'. Thunberg herself stated she could 'talk for a very, very long time about our mistreatment and abuses in our imprisonment'. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry vehemently denied these claims, asserting that 'all legal rights of the detainees are fully upheld' and dismissing the allegations as 'outrageous lies'.

Thunberg's Statement and Flotilla's Mission

Upon her arrival in Athens, Greta Thunberg addressed the crowd, describing the Global Sumud Flotilla as 'the biggest ever attempt to break Israel's illegal and inhumane siege by sea'. She further stated, 'That this mission has to exist, it's a shame!' and urged global action to prevent what she termed Israel's 'genocide' of Palestinians. Israel firmly denies allegations of genocide, maintaining that it makes every effort to avoid harming civilians and blames Hamas for civilian deaths due to the group's operations in densely populated areas. The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the humanitarian situation in Gaza and international efforts to deliver aid to the besieged territory.