Israel Preps Greta Thunberg Deportation Amid Deadly Raid

On June 9, 2025, Israeli naval forces intercepted the “Madleen,” a Gaza-bound aid boat carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists.

Additionally, the vessel was towed to Ashdod Port after being stopped in international waters. Israeli authorities detained the entire crew and are preparing to deport them amid mounting tensions and deadly conflict in Gaza.

Interception in International Waters

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition organized the Madleen mission, aiming to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza in protest of Israel’s tightened naval blockade. Moreover, in the early hours of June 9, Israel’s navy stopped the vessel roughly 120–200 km off the Gaza coast, forcing it to Ashdod. Israeli officials describe the move as legal under wartime rules, while activists claim they were “kidnapped” unlawfully.

Activists Detained & Set for Deportation

The 12 detained individuals—among them Greta Thunberg, journalists including Omar Fayyad, and various rights activists—are undergoing medical checks and being held at Ramle, with plans to deport them via Ben Gurion Airport. Some were reportedly ordered to sign deportation documents, while others refused, triggering judicial review.

Rising Death Toll in Gaza

The naval interception occurred amidst another devastating day for Gaza—Israeli strikes killed at least 60 people, including civilians near a U.S.-backed humanitarian center in Rafah. Additionally, the broader military offensive has deepened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

Clash of Narratives

Activists argue that their mission is aimed at drawing attention to Gaza’s dire conditions and the blockade’s impact on civilians needing aid.
Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed it as a public-relations stunt, stating the flotilla carried minimal aid (“less than a truckload”) and labeling Thunberg’s presence “Instagram activism.” They assert legal treatment of the detained and promise the aid will go through official channels.

International Reactions

The raid triggered a diplomatic response:

• France demanded the swift return of its nationals from the crew, condemning the interception.
• Turkey called the act “heinous,” and Iran denounced it as “piracy.”
• Legal rights group Adalah is representing the detained crew, challenging Israel’s actions as violations of international law.

What Lies Ahead

Key questions remain as activists await deportation:

• Will Israel pursue legal action against those who refuse deportation?
• Could this spur further flotillas or diplomatic pressure on humanitarian access?
• What impact will this action have on global scrutiny of Gaza’s blockade and broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Meanwhile, Gaza faces an escalating crisis—aid is insufficient, famine warnings grow louder, and military operations continue unabated.

You might also want to read: Israeli Military Detains Greta Thunberg and Other Activists on Gaza Aid Boat