Israeli authorities deported climate activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday, a day after the military seized the Gaza-bound ship she was aboard, the Foreign Ministry announced.
Thunberg, who avoids air travel, departed on a flight to France before returning to her home country of Sweden. The ministry shared a photo of her on a plane in a post on X.
Thunberg was among 12 passengers on the Madleen, a ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the voyage sought to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and highlight the humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to the coalition, Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessel approximately 200 kms (125 miles) off Gaza’s coast early Monday.
While the group and other rights organizations condemned the seizure as a violation of international law, Israel defended its actions, citing the enforcement of what it claims is a lawful naval blockade of Gaza.
The Madleen was escorted by the Israeli navy to the port of Ashdod by Monday evening.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated that Thunberg, two other activists, and a journalist were deported voluntarily to raise awareness of their experience.
Eight other passengers, who refused deportation, remained in detention pending a court hearing.
Adalah, an Israeli legal rights group representing the detainees, argued that their detention was “unlawful, politically motivated, and a direct violation of international law.”
The coalition called for their immediate release and reiterated its demand to allow the passengers to complete their journey to Gaza.
Israeli Interior Ministry spokesperson Sabine Haddad confirmed that those deported waived their right to appear before a judge.
The remaining detainees will be held for up to 96 hours before further deportation proceedings.
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Among the passengers was Rima Hassan, a French Member of the European Parliament of Palestinian descent, who has previously been barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to its policies toward Palestinians. It remained unclear whether she was deported or detained.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that one detained French activist had signed an expulsion order and was returning to France, while five others refused to do so.
All activists reportedly received consular visits.
Spanish activist Sergio Toribio, deported to Barcelona, denounced Israel’s actions, calling them a “pirate attack in international waters” and a “violation of our rights.”
