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Greta Thunberg Deported From Israel After Gaza Aid Ship Intercepted
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Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel this Tuesday after Israeli authorities intercepted a ship attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The incident has reignited debate over Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the legality of intercepting aid vessels in international waters.
thunberg’s Account of the Incident
Upon arriving in Paris en route to Sweden, Thunberg stated that she and her fellow activists were “illegally attacked and kidnapped” before being forcibly transferred to Israel.She condemned the interception of the aid vessel as a violation of international law, emphasizing that her experience paled in comparison to the suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza. Thunberg urged European governments to take action, calling for an end to “complicit silence” and military aid to Israel, especially from Sweden.
Did You Know? …
The United Nations estimates that over two million Palestinians in Gaza face restricted access to essential services and supplies due to the ongoing blockade. OCHA reports that humanitarian needs remain critically high.
Israeli Response
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar responded to Thunberg’s deportation by stating that she received adequate treatment during her stay in Israel. Saar declared, “I want to make it clear: we will not let this ‘person non Greta’ be in Israel.” The Israeli government maintains that the blockade is a necessary security measure to prevent weapons from entering Gaza.
Thunberg was among four activists who agreed to deportation. The others included Spanish activist Sergio Toribio, French journalist Omar Faiad, and French activist Baptiste Andre. Eight other activists refused deportation and were imprisoned near Tel Aviv.
Detained Activists and Legal Challenges
Those who refused deportation include MEP Rima Hassan, Pascal Maurrenas, Yanis Mhamdi, Reva Viard, mark van Rennes, Suayb Ordu, Thiago Avila, and yasemin Care. Thunberg expressed concern for their well-being, stating that they were having difficulty accessing legal counsel. Reports indicate that Thiago Avila is on a hunger and water strike, and others have complained about unsanitary conditions, including vermin infestations and non-potable water.
Pro Tip: …
Stay informed about the legal proceedings of the detained activists by following updates from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Legal Stance of the Freedom Flotilla
Lawyers for the Freedom Flotilla argue that Israel lacked the legal authority to intercept the vessel and deport the activists, as the incident occurred in international waters.They insist that the activists should be