Greta Thunberg and other international activists are set to be deported from Israel after their arrest during a sea mission aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Deportation Process Underway

Thunberg and her group of 12 activists were detained Monday when Israeli naval forces boarded their British-flagged yacht Madleen as it approached Gaza. The yacht was escorted to the port of Ashdod, and the activists were transferred overnight to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

The Foreign Ministry said that some Madleen passengers would be flown out imminently, while others refusing deportation paperwork would appear before a judicial authority.

Consular officials from several countries met with their detained citizens at the airport.

Rima Hassan Case

According to a report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian Member of the European Parliament, refused to sign her deportation papers. According to Kan, Hassan was taken to a detention centre in the city of Gibeon.

Following the intervention of French diplomats and EU representatives, Israeli media reported that Rima Hassan would be deported this evening, 10 June.

Thunberg: “Kidnapped in International Waters”

In a video message recorded before the naval interception, Thunberg accused Israel of kidnapping her and called on Sweden to secure her release. She and other activists had been transporting baby formula and rice, describing their voyage as a peaceful protest to spotlight Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Israel dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt, claiming the cargo was minimal and would be rerouted through official humanitarian channels.

Türkiye’s reactions

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also took action on behalf of the two Turkish-born activists on board the Madleen.

Our citizens who were detained on the ship Madleen by Israeli forces disembarked yesterday evening (9 June).

Turkish Foreign Ministry

Türkiye strongly criticized Israel for stopping the Gaza Freedom Flotilla ship Madleen with its navy and blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Gaza Blockade and War Toll

Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing the need to prevent arms shipments to Hamas. The ongoing war, which reignited after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has led to over 54,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza, according to local health officials.