Greta Thunberg and eleven other pro-Palestinian activists are being deported by Israel after their British-flagged yacht was intercepted by its navy close to Gaza. When the group tried to break through Israel’s naval blockade while carrying humanitarian supplies like rice and baby formula, military action was taken. The activists were taken to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv after Israeli forces rerouted the ship to Ashdod. Some have consented to depart, but others who have refused deportation are facing legal action.
While US President Donald Trump ridiculed her claims, Greta Thunberg referred to the arrest as a kidnapping and urged Sweden to step in. Israel rejected the trip as a publicity stunt associated with Hamas. With over 54,000 Palestinians killed and millions displaced by the conflict, Gaza is still under blockade. As tensions around Gaza escalate, the episode focuses on the conflict between state security and activism.
Aid Voyage Ends in Detention
The intercepted yacht, known as the “Selfie Yacht,” carried 12 people, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The crew brought humanitarian items like rice and baby formula. They aimed to highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been devastated by war since October 2023.
However, Israeli officials dismissed the mission as a political stunt. The Foreign Ministry accused the group of supporting Hamas and claimed, “The tiny amount of aid not consumed by the ‘celebrities’ will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels.”
Airport Transfers and Legal Process
After the vessel was diverted to the Israeli port of Ashdod, officials transferred the activists overnight to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Consular representatives from their home countries met them there.
The ministry said some activists are expected to leave within hours. Others refusing to sign deportation papers will face a judicial process before being forced to exit the country.
Greta Thunberg’s Kidnapping Claim
Greta Thunberg released a pre-recorded video accusing Israel of “kidnapping her in international waters.” She appealed to her supporters and the Swedish government for immediate intervention.
President Donald Trump, however, dismissed her claims. “Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg,” he said, mocking her emotional response and suggesting she needed “anger management.”
Israel imposed a tight naval blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized power in 2007. The blockade continues in the conflict provoked by the October 7 Hamas attack that killed more than 1,200 Israelis and 251 who were hostages.
Israel’s response since then has claimed the lives of over 54,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s Hamas-run health officials say. The war has left millions displaced and precipitated stern criticism from global observers.
Clash of Narratives
Israel feels that the blockade and yesterday’s intercept were necessary in preventing arms from reaching Hamas. For activists, the mission has all along been peaceful resistance and pleading for humanitarian awareness.
Now, the legality of the deportation by Israel is not even the issue. The activation of the debate in the global community raises issues about state power, activism, and human casualties of war.
