Greta Thunberg arrived in Athens, Greece, to a warm reception from pro-Palestinian supporters after being deported from Israel, along with hundreds of other activists who had attempted to deliver aid to Gaza.
The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a campaign aimed at breaking Israel’s naval blockade to deliver humanitarian assistance to the besieged enclave.
Thunberg, who has become an outspoken critic of Israel’s military actions, condemned what she called a “genocide” against Palestinians and denounced the international community’s failure to uphold human rights and international law. “The Global Sumud Flotilla aimed to step up when our governments failed to fulfill their legal obligations,” she said.
Israel deported 171 activists on Monday, bringing the total number expelled to 341 out of 479 detained during the flotilla operation. Those deported included 22 Swedish citizens, 27 Greeks, and participants from nearly 20 other nations.
Several activists alleged mistreatment during detention by Israeli forces, reporting that they were blindfolded, tied, denied food and water, and had their belongings confiscated. Thunberg herself was reportedly shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention.
Spanish lawyer Rafael Borrego stated that activists were “beaten, dragged, blindfolded, tied, and insulted.” Israel’s foreign ministry, however, rejected these claims as “complete lies,” asserting that detainees were treated in accordance with the law, given meals, water, and legal assistance. Photographs released by Israeli authorities showed Thunberg at the airport, appearing unharmed.
Upon her arrival in Athens, Thunberg addressed the crowd, reiterating her criticism of Israel and calling for international accountability. She emphasized that the denial of humanitarian aid to Gaza was a violation of international law, adding that Palestinians continue to suffer amid the ongoing blockade and destruction.
