Swedish activist Greta Thunberg arrived in Athens on Monday to a rousing pro‑Palestinian welcome, following her deportation—along with 170 others—by Israeli forces during a flotilla aiming to deliver aid to Gaza. Israel said it expelled 171 activists in this round, bringing the total deported to 341 of the 479 detained in the raid.
Upon landing, Thunberg told the crowd, “There is a genocide going on,” accusing the world’s institutions of failing Palestinians and warning that the flotilla mission was launched because “our governments failed to fulfill their legal obligations.” Activists aboard multiple vessels had sought to break Israel’s naval blockade to bring essential supplies to Gaza’s civilians, where the UN has declared famine and widespread displacement.
Activists Allege Brutal Treatment During Detention
Several deported participants—particularly from Switzerland and Spain—claimed they endured sleep deprivation, beatings, deprivation of food and water, blindfolding, and being locked in cages. One Spanish lawyer alleged, “They beat us, dragged us, tied our hands and feet… insulted us.” Swedish activists reported being forced to wear an Israeli flag and having essential belongings confiscated.
Despite these allegations, Israel’s foreign ministry denied wrongdoing, calling the claims “complete lies.” A spokesperson insisted detainees had access to water, restrooms, and legal counsel, and that their rights were respected.
Israel Rejects Genocide Claims, Calls Flotilla PR Stunt
Tel Aviv dismissed Thunberg’s genocide accusation and the flotilla itself as a publicity stunt staged by Hamas. The government responded with images from Thunberg’s arrival and statements that all detained activists were treated humanely.
Thunberg, however, remained defiant. She vowed she could recount hours of abuse but pressed her message: “Israel continues to escalate destruction with genocidal intent while blocking humanitarian aid to starving people.”
Israel defended its actions, maintaining it had lawfully upheld detainees’ rights. Officials noted independent checks by the Swiss Embassy found Swiss nationals in “relatively good health given circumstances.” Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, also aboard the flotilla, asserted there was mistreatment—but said “it pales compared to what Palestinians endure every day.”
