Eight pro-Palestinian activists, including French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, are being forcibly deported from Israel following the interception of their Gaza-bound vessel Madleen by the Israeli navy. The deportation comes three days after the activists were detained for attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Four of the 12-person crew, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, agreed to leave the country voluntarily on June 10. The remaining eight refused to depart, claiming Israel’s actions were unlawful and in breach of international law. They were held in a detention facility while awaiting a legal ruling.

Adalah: Deportation Violates International Law

Israeli legal rights organization Adalah, which is representing the activists, confirmed on Thursday that the group had lost its legal appeal and that deportation orders were being executed. Hassan and five other detainees were transferred to Tel Aviv airport and will be flown out within 24 hours. The final two crew members are scheduled for expulsion on Friday.

“Their continued detention and forced deportation are unlawful and a part of Israel's ongoing violations of international law,” Adalah stated.

Israel Defends Action as Security Measure

Israel maintains a strict naval blockade on Gaza, in place since Hamas took control of the enclave in 2007. Authorities argue it is a necessary measure to prevent arms smuggling and restrict Hamas operations. An Israeli official earlier dismissed the flotilla as a "pro-Hamas publicity stunt" and criticized the activists for offering symbolic aid without tangible humanitarian benefit.

“This was nothing but a ridiculous gimmick,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, in reference to Thunberg’s participation and the scale of the mission.

Gaza Crisis Drives Global Solidarity Actions

The incident comes as international scrutiny grows over Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages, Israeli operations have left nearly 55,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health authorities. Much of the territory lies in ruins.

The flotilla was part of a broader effort by civil society groups to deliver aid directly to Gaza and challenge the blockade. Despite the mission’s failure, it has reignited debate over Israel’s handling of humanitarian access and the limits of international law in conflict zones.