A humanitarian mission led by Greta Thunberg took a dramatic turn when Israeli forces intercepted her ship en route to Gaza, leading to her deportation and accusations of kidnapping. The activist was aboard the Madleen, part of a flotilla challenging Israel’s blockade, when it was stopped in international waters.
Thunberg’s video from the scene went viral: “We’ve been kidnapped,” she declared, urging supporters to demand their freedom. Israeli authorities countered with images of activists receiving food, dismissing the incident as a staged protest.
Back in Sweden, Thunberg remained defiant. “They took us illegally,” she said, referencing Donald Trump’s past jabs at her activism. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition condemned Israel’s actions, insisting their volunteers broke no laws.
While Thunberg was deported, eight activists refused expulsion paperwork, potentially prolonging the legal battle. The confrontation underscores the high stakes of Gaza aid efforts—and Thunberg’s evolution into a broader human rights advocate.
