Greta Thunberg Released from Israeli Detention After Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel after being detained alongside further than 170 other philanthropic contenders.
The group had been trying to deliver medical supplies and food to Gaza on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mercenary-led action group challenging Israel’s nonmilitary blockade.
Speaking for the first time since her release, Thunberg said: “What we and other people with conscience are doing for Gaza is the bare minimum.”
She did not hold back in her criticism of Israel, describing its actions in Gaza as being carried out with genocidal intent.
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“This genocide and other genocides are being enabled and fueled by our governments, our institutions, media, and companies,” she added.
The 22- time-old activist also stressed the responsibility of individuals to defy the conspiracy of governments and media.
“I could talk about the mistreatment meted out to me and other activists by Israel for a very long time. However, it is secondary,” Thunberg told reporters.
The procession, which left Barcelona on 31 August, consisted of 44 boats carrying philanthropic aid. Israeli forces interdicted the convoy in transnational waters on the night of 1 October, detaining roughly 470 actors.
Israeli authorities deported Thunberg and many others to Greece and Slovakia. In a statement on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry claimed the flotilla was a “PR stunt” designed to spread misinformation.
171 additional provocateurs from the Hamas–Sumud flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, were deported today from Israel to Greece and Slovakia.
The deportees are citizens of Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland,… pic.twitter.com/DqcGLOJov7
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 6, 2025
The deportees included 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.
“All the legal rights of the participants in this PR stunt were and will continue to be fully upheld. The lies they are spreading are part of their pre-planned fake news campaign,” the ministry said.
Reports from activists indicate harsh conditions during detention, including confined movement, forced acts with Israeli flags, and overcrowded cells reportedly overrun with bedbugs. Israeli authorities have denied these allegations.
Despite the displacements, around 130 activists remain in Israeli guardianship, with some reportedly on hunger strike in kick. Among them is Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela.
The procession’s interception has drawn wide review. Mortal rights organisations have condemned Israel’s conduct, and governments worldwide are facing pressure to respond.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson criticised Thunberg’s involvement, calling her participation “very foolish” and pointing to government advisories advising against similar conditioning.
The Global Sumud Flotilla’s charge aims to punctuate Gaza’s philanthropic extremity and challenge the leaguer. Activists contend that the displacements won’t halt their sweats to deliver aid and raise awareness.
Greta Thunberg remains a commanding voice in this struggle, combining climate activism with global moral rights advocacy, continuing to push for responsibility from governments, media, and the public, likewise.
