Greta Thunberg deported by Israel to Greece on 6 October 2025, as authorities expelled 171 activists detained from the Global Sumud Flotilla that attempted to sail aid toward Gaza. Organisers say the flotilla was intercepted in international waters, while Israeli officials deny wrongdoing and frame the group as provocateurs.
What happened: deportations to Greece and Slovakia
Israeli authorities confirmed the deportation of 171 foreign nationals, including Greta Thunberg, to Greece and Slovakia following last week’s interception of the flotilla. The group includes citizens from several European countries and the United States.
According to official updates and reports, dozens remain in custody pending processing. Figures vary between sources, but counts indicate that roughly 140–150 activists are still detained at Ketziot (Ktziot) prison in southern Israel.
International waters and legal scrutiny
The flotilla was boarded in international waters, raising questions under maritime law and the law of armed conflict. Lawyers representing detainees argue that the arrests, transfers and detentions breached due‑process standards.
Israeli authorities counter that the operation was a security measure against attempts to breach the naval blockade of Gaza, asserting compliance with domestic and international law.
Nordic angle: Swedish and Danish nationals among the deported
Among those expelled were Swedish activists, including Greta Thunberg, who landed in Athens on Monday. A Danish citizen was also among the deported, according to confirmations carried by Nordic outlets. The Nordic presence has kept the story prominent across Scandinavia, with attention on consular support and the conditions of detention reported by returnees.
Allegations of mistreatment and official denials
Several activists described ill‑treatment in detention, including accounts of physical and psychological abuse at Ketziot. At the Athens airport, Thunberg said that international systems are “failing Palestinians” and criticised governments for not exerting pressure on Israel.
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied allegations of abuse and characterised the flotilla as a publicity stunt, stating that detainees’ rights were respected and that they received access to food, water, legal counsel and consular services.
