Greta Thunberg deported from Israel after Gaza flotilla interception
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel after the country’s naval forces detained her Gaza-bound flotilla, according to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Thunberg, along with three other activists, was transported to Ben Gurion Airport to be deported, while eight others, including a member of the European Parliament, refused to sign deportation paperwork.
The 22-year-old climate activist, known for her aversion to air travel as part of her climate activism, made an exception to take a flight back to Sweden via France. Thunberg reportedly expressed to her attorneys that she believed she could do more good outside of Israel and that refusing to leave would harm her cause.
The Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla, named the Madleen, early on Monday. Thunberg posted a video during the incident, referring to herself as being “kidnapped” by Israel, a statement that drew criticism given the ongoing hostage situation in Gaza since 2023. President Donald Trump responded to Thunberg’s claim, calling her a “strange person” and suggesting she needed anger management classes.
Israel labeled the flotilla as the “selfie yacht,” dismissing it as a publicity stunt. The Madleen was carrying aid for Gaza, although Israel stated that the amount was less than a single truckload. Following the interception, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of delivering aid to Gaza through legitimate humanitarian channels, rather than through provocative actions.
Israel reported that over 1,200 aid trucks had entered Gaza in the previous two weeks, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation delivering nearly 11 million meals to civilians in the region. Thunberg’s deportation from Israel marked a controversial chapter in her climate activism journey, as she continues to advocate for environmental awareness on a global scale.
Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, contributed to this article.
