Greta Thunberg Deported After Flotilla Fiasco

Climate and pro-Palestinian activist Greta Thunberg has agreed to leave Israel voluntarily and is on a flight to France, en route to Sweden, following her detention by Israeli forces, the Foreign Ministry announced on X. Thunberg, 22, was among 12 activists aboard the Madleen vessel, intercepted early Monday while attempting to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza coast. Three other activists from the flotilla also agreed to voluntary deportation, joining Thunberg in leaving the country.

However, eight other activists, including European Parliament member Reema Hassan, refused to sign deportation orders. As a result, they will be held in a detention facility in Ramle, near Ben Gurion Airport, for 96 hours, pending forced deportation proceedings, according to Israeli authorities. Despite belligerent statements posted on social media prior to the incident, Thunberg’s decision to leave voluntarily contrasts with the defiance of her fellow activists.

The Madleen group, which included members of a human rights organization, had met with journalists in Catania, Italy, on June 1st before setting sail for the Middle East, as reported by the Associated Press. Israeli forces detained the activists after repeated warnings against attempting to reach Gaza, citing security concerns tied to the ongoing blockade. Photos shared by the Foreign Ministry showed Thunberg seated near the bathrooms on a plane awaiting takeoff.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed that one French activist, whose identity was not disclosed, signed a deportation form and will return to France today. The five other French citizens aboard, who refused to sign, are among those facing detention and a judicial hearing in the coming days. French consular officials have visited the detainees and contacted their families.