Greta Thunberg, the prominent climate activist, has been deported from Israel following her involvement in an attempt to breach the naval blockade of Gaza. The activist was part of a flotilla that aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to the region before being intercepted and detained by Israeli forces.
Thunberg welcomed in Athens
Upon her arrival at Athens International Airport, Thunberg received an enthusiastic welcome from crowds chanting “Freedom for Palestine.” Supporters and fellow activists gathered to greet her return, highlighting the solidarity movements forming around the globe concerning the situation in Gaza.
Controversy over treatment of detainees
In the wake of the flotilla’s interception, Israeli authorities have faced criticism regarding the treatment of activists who were deported. Allegations of mistreatment have been categorically rejected by the Israeli government, which reported that deportees were sent back to various nations, including Turkey, Spain, and Italy, over the past weekend. Legal representatives for the flotilla participants have indicated that approximately 150 individuals remain in custody in Israel, including Mandla Mandela, the grandson of the late Nelson Mandela.
Amid the ongoing detentions, some individuals are reportedly engaging in hunger strikes to protest their treatment. Lawyers representing the detainees have accused Israeli forces of employing excessive force and infringing upon the detainees’ rights, accusations which have been strongly denied by the Israeli government. A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the activists hailed from at least 17 different countries, including Greece, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The ministry further asserted that the rights of the detained activists were respected during their time in custody and cited an incident involving one participant who allegedly assaulted medical staff.
The interception of the flotilla has ignited protests in numerous cities around the world, fueling calls for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza and demanding greater accountability for the ongoing military actions in the region.