Greta Thunberg, the 22-year-old Swedish climate activist, was deported from Israel on Tuesday after attempting to breach the Gaza naval blockade with a group of pro-Palestinian activists. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed she was placed on a flight to France following her detention at sea.
The activists had launched a British-flagged yacht in an effort to deliver a symbolic load of aid—mostly rice and baby formula—to Gaza. Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessel before it reached the shore, calling the stunt a “publicity operation for Hamas.”
Twelve individuals aboard the yacht were detained and taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Four, including Thunberg, agreed to immediate repatriation. The remaining eight are contesting deportation and remain in custody pending a court hearing.
Thunberg, who often avoids flying due to climate concerns, was photographed on a commercial flight, prompting some to question the consistency of her activism. Israeli officials were quick to downplay the voyage’s significance, stating, “The tiny amount of aid not consumed by the ‘celebrities’ will be sent through proper humanitarian channels.”
President Trump mocked Thunberg’s role in the mission, saying, “I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg… She’s a young, angry person who could use an anger management class.”
Thunberg had previously posted a video from aboard the ship, suggesting any capture would amount to “kidnapping in international waters.”
The Israeli blockade of Gaza has been in place since 2007 to prevent arms from reaching Hamas. Following the October 7, 2023, terror attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis, the blockade was tightened, and land crossings were sealed. Israel has since allowed only minimal humanitarian aid through a new Israeli-supervised channel.
Israel continues to argue that such maritime stunts undermine real aid efforts and fuel Hamas propaganda. The government says security, not spectacle, must remain the priority.
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