Climate activist and humanitarian campaigner Greta Thunberg received a rousing welcome in Athens, Greece, on Monday after being deported from Israel alongside hundreds of international activists who had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The group’s deportation marked the latest episode in escalating tensions surrounding Israel’s ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip and the global calls for intervention to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.

Thunberg, who has long been outspoken on social and environmental justice issues, arrived to chants of solidarity and applause from pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the Athens International Airport. Holding signs and Palestinian flags, the crowd celebrated the activists’ efforts to challenge what they describe as Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza.

The 19-year-old Swedish activist condemned Israel’s military actions, calling them a “genocide” and criticized the international community for what she called its systemic failure to protect the Palestinian people. Her remarks underscored the deep frustration among humanitarian groups who say global powers have turned a blind eye to repeated violations of international law in Gaza.

The deportation of Thunberg and other participants comes days after Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of civilian boats carrying food, medical supplies, and aid workers bound for Gaza. The flotilla’s organizers said their mission was to break Israel’s 17-year blockade and draw international attention to the deteriorating humanitarian conditions faced by Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

The flotilla and the mass deportation

According to reports from humanitarian groups, Israel expelled 171 activists on Monday, bringing the total number of deportees to 341 out of 479 detained since the flotilla’s interception last week. Those deported included 22 Swedish citizens, 27 Greeks, and dozens of others from nearly 20 countries.

Thunberg, who joined the flotilla under the banner of “The Global Sumud,” described the effort as a peaceful, law-abiding humanitarian mission that sought to fill the gap left by governments failing to uphold international obligations. “The Global Sumud Flotilla aimed to step up where our governments failed to fulfill their legal and moral duties,” Thunberg said.

She further condemned Israel’s decision to block the aid shipment, saying, “While people in Gaza are starving, Israel is denying them the most basic form of help—medicine, food, and water. It’s not just a humanitarian crisis; it’s a moral collapse of our international system.”

The activists had hoped to dock near Gaza’s coast to deliver emergency aid. However, Israeli naval forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters and escorted it to the port of Ashdod. Israeli authorities stated that all detained individuals were processed under maritime law and deported in accordance with international standards—a claim human rights observers continue to dispute.

Reports of harsh detention conditions

Several activists, including Thunberg herself, alleged harsh and degrading treatment during detention. Testimonies from Swiss, Spanish, and Greek participants described incidents of being blindfolded, tied up, denied food and water, verbally abused, and having personal belongings confiscated.

Swiss humanitarian worker Lukas Hefti stated that activists were forced to kneel for long hours, while Spanish lawyer and activist Rafael Borrego accused Israeli officers of beating, dragging, and insulting detainees during their transfer from the port to detention centers.

Thunberg, who was held for several hours before deportation, reportedly said she was “shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag” during her detainment. “They wanted to humiliate us,” she said after arriving in Athens, visibly shaken but defiant. “But this is nothing compared to what Palestinians go through every day.”

Despite the allegations, Israeli authorities have categorically denied mistreating any of the detainees. The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the reports as “complete lies,” insisting that activists were provided with food, water, restroom access, and consular communication throughout their stay.

Photographs released by Israeli officials showed Thunberg walking through Ben Gurion Airport before boarding her deportation flight, apparently unharmed, in what appeared to be an effort to counter claims of physical abuse.

The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv later confirmed that its citizens were “in relatively good health, given the circumstances,” following a consular visit. Still, human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the activists’ detention and treatment.

Thunberg’s message in Athens

Upon her arrival in Athens, Thunberg addressed a cheering crowd outside the airport terminal, where hundreds of supporters and journalists had gathered. Surrounded by fellow activists, she raised her voice in solidarity with Palestinians and reiterated her condemnation of Israel’s actions.

“What happened here was that Israel, while continuing to escalate its genocide and destruction, once again violated international law by preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza,” Thunberg said. “People are being starved to death. Hospitals are collapsing. Children are dying. And the world watches in silence.”

Her words were met with thunderous applause and chants of “Free Palestine!” and “End the blockade!” echoing across the arrival hall.

The Swedish activist emphasized that the flotilla’s purpose was to highlight the collective failure of world governments to act on their legal obligations under international humanitarian law. “Our leaders make speeches about human rights,” she said, “but when it comes to Palestine, their values vanish. We cannot remain silent while genocide unfolds before our eyes.”

Global outrage and solidarity movements

The deportation of Thunberg and her fellow activists has sparked widespread outrage across Europe, with human rights organizations, political leaders, and social movements condemning Israel’s actions.

In Stockholm, dozens gathered outside the Swedish Parliament in solidarity, demanding that the Swedish government condemn Israel’s treatment of its citizens. Demonstrators waved banners reading “Stop the blockade” and “Justice for Gaza,” while chanting Thunberg’s name.

Meanwhile, in Madrid, Spanish politicians and NGOs called for an official inquiry into the alleged mistreatment of Spanish nationals detained by Israel. Rafael Borrego, one of the deported lawyers, urged European Union leaders to “hold Israel accountable” for violating maritime law and human rights protections.

Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who was also aboard the flotilla, said in Athens that while she and others experienced mistreatment, their ordeal was “nothing compared to the daily suffering of Palestinians.” Colau praised Thunberg for her courage and leadership, saying, “Greta gave voice to all of us. She reminded the world that humanitarian principles must apply to everyone—without exception.”

Israel’s official response

Israel has consistently defended its enforcement of the Gaza blockade, which has been in place since 2007, arguing that it is necessary to prevent weapons and military supplies from reaching Hamas. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said the flotilla’s vessels were warned repeatedly to reroute to Ashdod Port, where their cargo could be inspected before being delivered to Gaza under supervision.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the flotilla as a “publicity stunt coordinated by pro-Hamas organizations”, claiming that its real purpose was political, not humanitarian. Officials accused participants of “provoking confrontation” and dismissed Thunberg’s statements as “naïve propaganda.”

Nevertheless, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have long criticized Israel’s blockade of Gaza as “collective punishment” in violation of international law. Both groups have called for unrestricted humanitarian access to the region.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza

The situation in Gaza remains dire. The enclave’s health system is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals running on limited fuel and essential supplies. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports that over 80 percent of Gaza’s population now relies on humanitarian aid for survival.

The World Food Programme (WFP) recently warned of “catastrophic levels of hunger,” while UNICEF confirmed that one in three children in Gaza suffers from acute malnutrition.

The Global Sumud Flotilla sought to address these urgent needs by delivering medical kits, water filtration systems, and non-perishable food. Organizers said all cargo had been inspected by independent observers before departure, ensuring that it was purely humanitarian in nature.

Thunberg’s evolution from climate activist to global humanitarian

Greta Thunberg first gained international attention as the founder of the Fridays for Future movement, which mobilized millions of young people to demand action against climate change. In recent years, her activism has expanded to include human rights, social justice, and anti-war causes, positioning her as one of the most recognizable moral voices of her generation.

Her participation in the Gaza aid flotilla marks a significant step in that evolution. By directly confronting Israel’s blockade, Thunberg has transitioned from environmental advocacy to broader global activism, linking climate justice with humanitarian responsibility.

In Athens, she spoke of the interconnectedness of global crises, saying, “You cannot fight for climate justice while ignoring war crimes and occupation. Environmental destruction, colonialism, and human suffering are all connected—they feed each other.”

Her remarks reflect a growing trend among activists who view the fight for sustainability as inseparable from struggles for peace and equality.

Calls for international accountability

In response to the flotilla’s interception, a coalition of humanitarian groups has urged the United Nations to investigate Israel’s actions and ensure accountability for potential violations of maritime and human rights law. Several European lawmakers have called for sanctions against Israel if evidence of mistreatment or obstruction of humanitarian aid is confirmed.

Legal experts point to the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea, which prohibits interference with humanitarian missions unless there is clear evidence of military intent. Critics argue that Israel’s blanket blockade and its interception of civilian aid vessels fall outside these legal boundaries.

What’s next for Thunberg and the movement

Following her return to Europe, Thunberg announced plans to continue campaigning for Palestinian rights, promising that the Global Sumud movement will launch new initiatives to pressure governments into ending the blockade.

In a statement shared on social media, she wrote, “We may have been deported, but our voices cannot be silenced. We will keep standing with Gaza until the siege is lifted and justice is restored.”

Her post quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking renewed debate on Europe’s relationship with Israel. Supporters hailed her courage, while critics accused her of political bias and oversimplification of a complex conflict.

Despite controversy, Thunberg’s influence remains immense. Her involvement has amplified global attention on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis in ways few traditional political figures have managed.

Conclusion

Greta Thunberg’s deportation from Israel and subsequent welcome in Athens has become a symbol of the growing global outcry over Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe. Her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla not only underscores the urgency of ending the blockade but also reflects a broader shift in global activism — one that unites climate, human rights, and anti-war movements under a common moral framework.

While Israel insists its actions were lawful and necessary for security, the testimonies of activists and the mounting criticism from human rights organizations highlight a deep moral and legal divide over how the world responds to crises in occupied territories.

As Thunberg continues to challenge powerful governments and institutions, her voice remains emblematic of a generation that refuses to separate environmental justice from human dignity. In Athens, she made her stance clear: “This is not about politics. It’s about humanity. And humanity demands action.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla may have been stopped at sea, but its message has reached shores worldwide — calling on governments to uphold international law, protect civilians, and end a blockade that has long symbolized one of the world’s most enduring humanitarian tragedies.