Greta Thunberg and Over 70 Flotilla Detainees Set to Leave Israel for Greece
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg will be among more than 70 individuals of various nationalities released from Israeli custody following their detainment aboard an intercepted Gaza aid flotilla.
ATHENS: Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is set to leave Israel on Monday, joining over 70 individuals of different nationalities who were seized while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The group aimed to breach the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has reported conditions amounting to famine.
Israel initiated interceptions in international waters on Wednesday, preventing more than 400 participants from reaching Palestinian territory.
A total of 28 French citizens, 27 Greeks, 15 Italians, and nine Swedes are scheduled to be flown to Greece for further travel arrangements to their home countries.
Twenty-one Spanish nationals returned to Spain separately on Sunday.
Despite these releases, multiple foreign nationals remain in Israeli custody, including an additional 28 Spanish individuals.
Several detainees have alleged degrading treatment by Israeli authorities.
Saverio Tommasi, a journalist from Fanpage, recounted being physically assaulted during his detention.
The Italian and Greek foreign ministries confirmed that their respective released nationals will transit through Athens on Monday, with the Italians assisted for subsequent travel to Italy.
French authorities stated that the 28 French detainees would be transported to Greece.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard revealed that embassy staff in Tel Aviv had been permitted to visit the nine Swedish detainees.
Late Sunday, Israeli authorities notified the Swedish embassy of their decision to allow these individuals to depart Israel by air on Monday.
Rafael Borrego, one of the Spanish returnees, accused the Israelis of physical and mental abuse during detainment.
The ongoing situation leaves several foreigners in Israeli custody, pending further clarification and resolution.
The group aimed to breach the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has reported conditions amounting to famine.
Israel initiated interceptions in international waters on Wednesday, preventing more than 400 participants from reaching Palestinian territory.
A total of 28 French citizens, 27 Greeks, 15 Italians, and nine Swedes are scheduled to be flown to Greece for further travel arrangements to their home countries.
Twenty-one Spanish nationals returned to Spain separately on Sunday.
Despite these releases, multiple foreign nationals remain in Israeli custody, including an additional 28 Spanish individuals.
Several detainees have alleged degrading treatment by Israeli authorities.
Saverio Tommasi, a journalist from Fanpage, recounted being physically assaulted during his detention.
The Italian and Greek foreign ministries confirmed that their respective released nationals will transit through Athens on Monday, with the Italians assisted for subsequent travel to Italy.
French authorities stated that the 28 French detainees would be transported to Greece.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard revealed that embassy staff in Tel Aviv had been permitted to visit the nine Swedish detainees.
Late Sunday, Israeli authorities notified the Swedish embassy of their decision to allow these individuals to depart Israel by air on Monday.
Rafael Borrego, one of the Spanish returnees, accused the Israelis of physical and mental abuse during detainment.
The ongoing situation leaves several foreigners in Israeli custody, pending further clarification and resolution.
