Israel Deports Greta Thunberg After Intercepting Gaza Aid Ship

Jerusalem: Israeli authorities deported climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday after the military seized a Gaza-bound aid ship she was aboard, officials confirmed. The Swedish activist was placed on a flight to France before returning home, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry.
The Madleen, carrying humanitarian supplies and 12 passengers, was intercepted by Israeli naval forces early Monday approximately 200 kilometers off Gaza's coast. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission, condemned the seizure as a violation of international law, stating the vessel was in international waters and destined for Palestinian territorial waters, not Israel.
Israeli officials defended the operation, claiming the ship attempted to breach what they call a "lawful naval blockade" of Gaza. They dismissed the mission as a "publicity stunt," arguing the aid delivered would amount to less than a truckload of supplies.
Alongside Thunberg, two other activists and a journalist agreed to deportation, while eight others refused and remain in detention, according to Adalah, a legal rights group representing the passengers. Their case is expected to go before an Israeli court.
French EU Parliament member Rima Hassan, a Palestinian rights advocate barred from entering Israel, was also aboard. It remains unclear whether she faces immediate deportation or detention.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, denounced Israel's actions, calling for the activists' immediate release. Adalah stated that Israel had "no legal authority" to seize the ship in international waters.
The incident echoes past confrontations, including Israel's deadly 2010 raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla that killed 10 activists. Critics accuse Israel of enforcing an illegal blockade that exacerbates Gaza's humanitarian crisis.