Greta Thunberg alleges ‘kidnapping’ after Israel intercepts her Gaza-bound aid ship and deports her to France

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg said she was "kidnapped in international waters" by Israeli forces after being deported from Israel and landing in Paris on Tuesday (June 10).

“We were kidnapped in international waters,” Thunberg told reporters at Charles de Gaulle Airport. But what we went through is absolutely nothing compared to what people in Gaza are enduring right now.”

Thunberg, 22, was among 12 passengers aboard the Madleen, a ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which aimed to deliver aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s naval blockade.

Israeli Navy intercepts 'Madleen'

Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen about 185–200 km off Gaza’s coast early Monday and escorted it to the port of Ashdod, claiming the action was legal under international maritime law.

“The flotilla was attempting to breach a lawful naval blockade,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. “It was a political stunt with meager humanitarian supplies.”

However, rights groups and flotilla organizers slammed the raid as illegal.

“This is a violation of international law,” said legal advocacy group Adalah, which is representing several detained activists. “The activists were unarmed and carrying humanitarian aid.”

Multiple activists detained, facing deportation

According to Israeli officials, Thunberg and three others, including a journalist, accepted deportation and were flown out of Israel via Ben Gurion Airport. "Greta Thunberg just departed Israel on a flight to Sweden (via France)," the Foreign Ministry posted on X, along with a photo of Thunberg on a plane.

Eight other activists, including five French nationals, refused deportation and remain in detention.

“Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority,” the ministry said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that one of the French detainees had agreed to leave Israel, while five others will be subject to legal proceedings.

“Our consul was able to see the six French nationals arrested by Israeli authorities,” he wrote on X.

Accusations of piracy and international condemnation

Countries including Turkey and Iran condemned Israel’s actions.

Turkey called the raid a “heinous attack,” while Iran denounced it as “a form of piracy.”

Spanish activist Sergio Toribio, who was also deported, told reporters in Barcelona: “It is unforgivable. It is a violation of our rights. It is a pirate attack in international waters.”

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said the ship was heading toward “territorial waters of the state of Palestine,” and that Israel had no legal authority to intervene.

Mounting international pressure on Israel

Amnesty International demanded the immediate and unconditional release of detained activists and accused Israel of flouting international law. The UN also weighed in on broader Israeli conduct in Gaza.

A UN Commission of Inquiry said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. “In killing civilians sheltering in schools and religious sites, Israeli security forces committed the crime against humanity of extermination,” the commission said.

Ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The aid mission came amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where more than 54,900 people, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The UN has warned of imminent famine and says nearly 90% of the population is displaced.

Israel argues that the blockade, in place since Hamas seized power in 2007, is essential to prevent weapons smuggling. Critics say it constitutes collective punishment.

A symbolic mission

The Madleen’s voyage was part of a symbolic effort by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to break the blockade and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis.

A related land convoy crossed from Tunisia into Libya with the aim of reaching Gaza.

This isn’t the first time a flotilla has faced Israeli action. In 2010, an Israeli commando raid on the Mavi Marmara left 10 activists dead, triggering international outrage.

(With inputs from Agencies)