Climate activist Greta Thunberg arrived in Athens, Greece, on Monday after being deported from Israel along with hundreds of other international activists who had joined a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. She was welcomed by a large pro-Palestinian crowd and strongly criticized Israel’s military actions, calling them a “genocide” and accusing world powers of failing to protect Palestinians.
Israel expelled 171 activists on Monday, raising the total number deported to 341 out of 479 detained during the flotilla attempt. Among those who landed in Athens were 22 Swedish nationals, including Thunberg, 27 Greeks, and activists from nearly 20 countries.
Speaking after her arrival, Thunberg said the Global Sumud Flotilla was organized to provide aid when governments had failed to act. She accused Israel of blocking humanitarian support while civilians in Gaza face severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials.
Some deported activists alleged mistreatment while in Israeli custody. Participants from Switzerland and Spain claimed they were blindfolded, tied, denied food and water, and had personal belongings confiscated. Thunberg herself was reportedly shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during detention. Spanish lawyer Rafael Borrego stated that many were “beaten, dragged, blindfolded, tied, and insulted” during their transfer.
Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegations as “complete lies,” insisting that detainees were given food, water, medical care, and legal access. Officials also said the flotilla was a publicity stunt designed to support Hamas. Photos of Thunberg at the airport were released to show her well-being.
A Swiss Embassy visit confirmed that Swiss nationals detained in Israel were “in relatively good health, given the circumstances.”
Addressing supporters in Athens, Thunberg reiterated her position: “Israel, while continuing to escalate their genocide and mass destruction, once again violated international law by preventing humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza while people are being starved.”
Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, who was also on the flotilla, said that although activists faced mistreatment in detention, it was nothing compared to the suffering endured by Palestinians on a daily basis.
