Greta Thunberg Returns to Greece After Israel Deports Gaza Aid Activists
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg arrived in Athens on October 6 to cheers from pro-Palestinian supporters after being deported by Israel, along with hundreds of other activists detained at sea for trying to deliver aid to Gaza.
Israel confirmed it expelled 171 people, including Thunberg, bringing the total deported to 341 out of 479 detained when the flotilla was intercepted. Greece’s Foreign Ministry said 161 activists landed in Athens, among them 27 Greeks and citizens of nearly 20 other nations.
Thunberg Condemns Israeli Actions
Speaking at Athens airport, Thunberg, 22, denounced Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
«Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on,» she said, accusing international institutions of failing to prevent «the worst war crimes».
She described the Global Sumud Flotilla as an act of solidarity in response to government inaction.
The flotilla, made up of dozens of vessels, sought to deliver humanitarian supplies and highlight Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, with most residents displaced and the UN warning of widespread hunger.
Israel has dismissed the mission as a «publicity stunt benefitting Hamas», rejecting accusations of genocide and claims of famine.
Activists Allege Mistreatment
Some Swiss and Spanish participants alleged abuse during detention, citing sleep deprivation, lack of food and water, and physical violence. Spanish lawyer Rafael Borrego told reporters they were «beaten, dragged, blindfolded and tied up». Swedish activists said Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag.
Thunberg said she could «talk for a very long time» about the group’s treatment but stressed the larger issue was Israel’s «attempt to erase an entire population» by blocking aid to Gaza.
Israel Rejects Abuse Allegations
Israel’s foreign ministry called the mistreatment claims «complete lies», stating that detainees had access to food, water, restrooms and legal counsel. The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed its nationals were «in relatively good health, given the circumstances».
Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, also on the flotilla, said there had been «mistreatment, but that was nothing compared to what the Palestinian people suffer every day».
President Donald Trump told Israel on October 3 to halt its bombing campaign in Gaza after Hamas accepted parts of a United States peace proposal, including the release of hostages.
