Greta Thunberg Deported and Other Activists Remain Detained
Israeli authorities expelled Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg after her bold effort to challenge the blockade of Gaza aboard the Freedom Flotilla. Early on Monday, security forces intercepted the vessel Madleen before it could approach Gaza, towing it to Ashdod Port. Several other activists involved remain in detention.
Critics and supporters alike have condemned the forceful seizure, with some characterizing the incident as equivalent to an abduction. In a prerecorded message, Thunberg described the experience as a kidnapping by Israeli forces. Palestinian officials have urged that the safety of those involved be ensured, while international voices call for additional ships to join efforts in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
A social media post by one activist stressed that alongside the immediate release of the Madleen, every Mediterranean port should contribute vessels filled with aid and compassion. This uniting effort, the post suggested, could powerfully challenge the ongoing blockade.
In London, pro-Palestinian parliamentarians and supporters demonstrated their solidarity near a prominent government area. Among them, a well-known former party leader expressed heartfelt support while decrying the severe shortages and mounting civilian suffering unfolding in Gaza.
According to sources, four activists are expected to be deported on Tuesday, while eight others will be transferred to a detention facility because they refused to sign the necessary deportation documents.
The Freedom Flotilla Crew
The vessel Madleen set sail from Sicily on June 6 with the aim of breaking through the blockade imposed on Gaza. However, it was intercepted by Israeli forces that later stated the ship was still en route to an Israeli port. The British-flagged craft carried a crew of 12, which included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, a French member of the European Parliament, and a French journalist. The remaining crew members are Yasemin Acar, Baptiste Andre, Thiago Avila, Pascal Maurieras, Yanis Mhamdi, Suayb Ordu, Sergio Toribio, Mark van Rennes, and Reva Viard.
Carrying humanitarian supplies, the British-flagged ship embarked on a mission to alleviate the harsh blockade on Gaza—a region where a significant number of casualties have been reported since October 2023. Human rights experts and various international observers have harshly criticized the ongoing military operation in Gaza, raising serious concerns over the plight of civilians.
With all border crossings closed to essential supplies since early March, aid organizations warn that Gaza’s 2.4 million residents face the growing risk of famine. Recent international legal actions have targeted high-ranking officials over alleged war crimes and breaches of international law, adding further urgency to calls for increased humanitarian assistance.
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