Greta Thunberg Accuses Israel of Kidnapping After Interception of Gaza Aid Boat
The Swedish activist claims that her detention exemplifies wider violations of international law amid escalating tensions in Gaza.
PARIS: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has accused Israel of 'kidnapping' after the interception of a humanitarian aid vessel bound for Gaza by Israeli security forces.
The incident occurred on June 10, 2025, when the boat, named Madleen, was 185 kilometers (115 miles) off the coast of Gaza.
Thunberg, who was one of 12 individuals on board, stated that the seizure represented yet another violation of rights by Israel.
Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris after her deportation from Israel, Thunberg expressed her concern not only for her own situation but also for what Palestinians are facing.
She emphasized that her personal experience was minimal in comparison.
Five French activists were taken into custody by Israeli authorities after they refused to leave voluntarily, while Thunberg was deported on a commercial flight of El Al airlines.
The Madleen was carrying food and supplies designated for Gaza and aimed to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Thunberg characterized the interception of the boat as a continuation of violations of international law and referred to the actions of Israeli officials as 'war crimes.' She stated, 'This was a mission of attempting to once again bring aid to Gaza and send solidarity, and we saw we cannot.'
Thunberg also criticized the 'silence and passivity' of the international community towards the situation in Gaza, expressing her frustration with what she described as a betrayal by global governments.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides.
According to official figures, 1,219 people, primarily civilians, have died in Israel since the attack.
In Gaza, the health ministry, which operates under Hamas, reports that at least 54,981 people, the majority of whom are civilians, have been killed since the onset of hostilities.
These casualty figures have been deemed reliable by the United Nations.
Thunberg concluded her remarks with a commitment to continue her activism, stating that she would persist in calling for an end to what she described as 'atrocities' occurring in Gaza.
She also mentioned her need for basic amenities after her ordeal, underscoring the challenges faced by those involved in humanitarian efforts in the region.
The incident occurred on June 10, 2025, when the boat, named Madleen, was 185 kilometers (115 miles) off the coast of Gaza.
Thunberg, who was one of 12 individuals on board, stated that the seizure represented yet another violation of rights by Israel.
Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris after her deportation from Israel, Thunberg expressed her concern not only for her own situation but also for what Palestinians are facing.
She emphasized that her personal experience was minimal in comparison.
Five French activists were taken into custody by Israeli authorities after they refused to leave voluntarily, while Thunberg was deported on a commercial flight of El Al airlines.
The Madleen was carrying food and supplies designated for Gaza and aimed to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade of the Palestinian territory.
Thunberg characterized the interception of the boat as a continuation of violations of international law and referred to the actions of Israeli officials as 'war crimes.' She stated, 'This was a mission of attempting to once again bring aid to Gaza and send solidarity, and we saw we cannot.'
Thunberg also criticized the 'silence and passivity' of the international community towards the situation in Gaza, expressing her frustration with what she described as a betrayal by global governments.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides.
According to official figures, 1,219 people, primarily civilians, have died in Israel since the attack.
In Gaza, the health ministry, which operates under Hamas, reports that at least 54,981 people, the majority of whom are civilians, have been killed since the onset of hostilities.
These casualty figures have been deemed reliable by the United Nations.
Thunberg concluded her remarks with a commitment to continue her activism, stating that she would persist in calling for an end to what she described as 'atrocities' occurring in Gaza.
She also mentioned her need for basic amenities after her ordeal, underscoring the challenges faced by those involved in humanitarian efforts in the region.
