Egypt Daily News – Swedish activist Greta Thunberg accused Israel of “kidnapping the activists who were aboard the Gaza-bound ship Madeliene, carrying humanitarian aid,” after she was deported to France.
Upon her arrival at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport on Tuesday, the 22-year-old said, “Israel kidnapped us in international waters,” referring to the 12 activists, including herself. She stressed that the activists “were kidnapped in international waters and taken by force to Israel,” asserting that they “violated no laws” in their attempt to break the Israeli blockade on the Palestinian territory.
Her remarks came after Israel published a photo of Thunberg, who typically avoids flying due to carbon emissions seated on a plane en route to Paris.
“The Selfie Ship”
The incident follows Israel’s deportation of a French activist, while five others refused to sign deportation orders and were referred to court.
On Monday, Israeli navy boarded the humanitarian aid sailing boat that attempted to break the long-standing maritime blockade on Gaza and detained the 12-member crew.
The sailing boat Madeliene, operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition and flying a British flag, was towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Israel dismissed the mission as a propaganda stunt in support of Hamas. The Foreign Ministry sarcastically stated that “the tiny amount of aid on board, which the celebrities didn’t consume, will be sent to Gaza later.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Israel’s Foreign Ministry mocked the activists, saying, “The selfie show is over,” in reference to what it portrayed as a publicity campaign. Organizers had previously released a video of Thunberg aboard the ship before it was seized, in which she said that if the ship was intercepted, it would mean Israel had “kidnapped” her and the crew in international waters.
Trump’s Mockery
Former U.S. President Donald Trump ridiculed Thunberg’s claim, saying, “I think Israel has bigger problems than kidnapping Greta.” He added, “She’s an angry young woman… I think she needs an anger management course,” according to Reuters.
Israel has maintained a maritime blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. A land blockade was also imposed, which Israel tightened further in March 2024 following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, cutting off food and medical aid and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
