Greta Thunberg
Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg Leaves Israel After Detention Aboard Gaza Bound Aid Ship

JERUSALEM, vesud Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has departed Israel after being detained by Israeli forces while aboard an aid ship headed for Gaza. The vessel, part of a humanitarian effort organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was intercepted in international waters on Monday.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Thunberg’s departure on Tuesday, posting photos of the 22-year-old activist aboard a flight en route to Sweden via France. Known globally for her stance against fossil fuel emissions and her commitment to avoiding air travel, Thunberg’s appearance on a commercial flight has drawn attention, reflecting the urgency of the unfolding humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Interception of the Madleen and International Outcry

The Madleen, the ship Thunberg was aboard, was one of several vessels operated by the FFC in a symbolic effort to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, now in its 11th consecutive week. The FFC alleges that the Israeli military boarded the ship unlawfully in the middle of the night, in international waters.

Amnesty International condemned the operation, stating it was a violation of international maritime law. “Intercepting a civilian aid vessel in international waters and detaining activists jeopardizes both safety and legality,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

Activists Detained and Facing Deportation

Of the 12 activists aboard the Madleen, four including Thunberg, two French nationals, and a Spanish citizen left Israel on Tuesday. Eight others, including citizens from France, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Turkey, remain in custody at Givon Prison in Ramleh, according to legal NGO Adalah, which is providing legal representation.

Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament, remains detained. A spokesperson for the European Parliament confirmed that direct contact had been maintained with Israeli authorities to ensure her safety.

France’s foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that five of the six detained French citizens would be forcibly deported, while one agreed to leave voluntarily.

Israel Defends Blockade, Activists Slam Humanitarian Crisis

Israel has maintained a strict naval blockade on Gaza since March 2, cutting off all aid amid a war that has now lasted over 600 days. The blockade has drawn increasing global condemnation, with humanitarian agencies warning of famine-level conditions affecting Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.

In response to criticism, Israel has argued that all vessels bound for Gaza are barred in accordance with international law. It labeled the Madleen a “selfie yacht” and dismissed the aid effort as a publicity stunt involving “celebrities.”

Still, mounting international pressure has forced Israeli authorities to begin allowing small amounts of aid into Gaza since late May. Humanitarian organizations argue it is a fraction of what is needed, with a UN-backed report in April warning that 20% of Gaza’s population faces imminent starvation.

A Worsening Crisis and Controversial Aid Routes

The aid blockade has led to increasingly desperate scenes on the ground. In recent days, dozens of Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food distributed by the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed group intended to replace the UN-led distribution system.

The United Nations has sharply criticized the new mechanism, calling it a “death trap” for civilians caught between collapsing aid networks and violent conflict.

Greta Thunberg From Climate Advocacy to Humanitarian Action

Though widely recognized for her climate activism, Thunberg has increasingly aligned her advocacy with global justice causes, including indigenous rights and human rights in conflict zones. Her participation in the Madleen voyage reflects her broader commitment to intersectional activism.

Thunberg has not yet issued a public statement following her departure but is expected to speak in coming days about the experience and her support for humanitarian access in Gaza.

Legal Tensions and Global Pressure Intensify

As Israel continues to face criticism for its handling of aid delivery and activist detentions, legal challenges like those from Adalah and diplomatic interventions from EU member states suggest growing friction between humanitarian efforts and national security justifications.

With high-profile figures like Greta Thunberg now involved, the situation has drawn fresh global attention adding momentum to international calls for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.