Greta Thunberg Reportedly Set to Be Deported from Israel After Second Flotilla Arrest

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is reportedly set to be deported to Sweden after being detained for the second time in connection with a flotilla that attempted to breach the naval blockade around Gaza. According to The Times of Israel, Thunberg was among more than 70 foreign nationals taken into custody after the Israeli Navy intercepted the flotilla last week.

The detainees are expected to be released and flown to Greece before returning to their home countries. Israeli officials have confirmed that those arrested will be deported early this week.

Background: The Gaza Blockade and the Flotilla

Israel and Egypt have maintained a joint blockade on Gaza for over a decade, citing security concerns and the need to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. While humanitarian aid is routinely allowed into Gaza through monitored border crossings, attempts to breach the naval blockade are prohibited under Israeli law and are regularly intercepted by the navy.

The flotilla in question — organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition — reportedly consisted of several boats carrying international activists. Israeli authorities stated that the vessels contained little or no verified humanitarian aid, despite organizers claiming they were on a relief mission.

Thunberg’s participation in the flotilla has drawn widespread media attention, as she has previously been known for leading global campaigns on climate change rather than political or regional issues.

Second Arrest and Claims of Mistreatment

This marks the second time in recent months that Thunberg has been detained while participating in a similar maritime protest. In June, she and other activists were taken into custody by Israeli forces after joining another flotilla headed toward Gaza.

Following that incident, Thunberg described the experience as a “kidnapping,” alleging that Israeli forces detained the group in international waters. Israeli authorities rejected that claim, maintaining that the action was carried out in accordance with maritime law and that the activists were treated respectfully during their detention.

International Response

Governments in Europe have been coordinating to assist their citizens’ return following the latest arrests. Greece has been identified as the point of transit for those released from Israeli detention before they are repatriated.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that another flotilla, also organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departed from Italy and is expected to approach the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days. Observers anticipate that it will be intercepted in a similar manner once it nears the blockade zone.

A Divisive Episode

Thunberg’s involvement in the flotilla has sparked debate both within and beyond environmental and human rights circles. Supporters describe her actions as a form of peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Critics argue that such missions risk politicizing humanitarian aid and undermining international efforts to ensure assistance is delivered through regulated channels.

As she prepares to return to Sweden, Thunberg’s latest arrest underscores the increasingly complex intersection between activism, geopolitics, and technology-driven global visibility. What began as a movement for climate action has, for Thunberg, evolved into a broader — and far more contentious — campaign of international advocacy.