Israel Deports Greta Thunberg and Other 170 Activists

Israel says it has deported around 171 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who participated in a flotilla mission bound for Gaza. The flotilla — one of several attempts by international activists to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza — was intercepted at sea, and many detainees have since been expelled to Greece and Slovakia. 

Those deported report troubling conditions while in Israeli custody. Several activists have alleged inhumane treatment, citing sleep deprivation, lack of food and water, beatings, confinement in cages, and degrading treatment. Among them, some say that Greta Thunberg was singled out, forced to wear an Israeli flag, and treated harshly under guard. 

Israel, for its part, denies all mistreatment claims. The country’s foreign ministry insists legal rights were fully upheld, no physical force was used, and that detainees were given access to water, food, restrooms, and legal counsel. Israeli officials call the flotilla mission a provocation and maintain the deportations were lawful under Israel’s blockade policy.

While 171 activists have been deported, hundreds more remain in Israeli detention. Some of those imprisoned have launched hunger strikes, drawing concern over their health and raising calls for improved access by embassies and legal observers. The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv has visited detained Swiss nationals, reporting they are in “relatively good health, given the circumstances.” 

Diplomatic tensions are escalating in the wake of these deportations. Switzerland has protested Israel’s refusal to allow extended diplomatic access to its nationals detained in Israel. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Greta Thunberg has drawn global attention and scrutiny, amplifying pressure on Israel to explain its handling of the flotilla detainees. 

The unfolding situation remains volatile. Human rights groups, governments of deportee nations, and flotilla organisers are pushing for investigations and transparency. The fate of those still in custody—and whether further deportations or legal actions will follow—continues to dominate headlines. 

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