Israel deports Greta Thunberg after Gaza flotilla attempt

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on Monday after attempting to approach the Gaza coast aboard a protest vessel, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said.

A video released by the ministry on social media platform X showed Thunberg aboard a plane bound for France, from where she is expected to return to Sweden.

Thunberg and 11 other activists were on board the yacht Maadlin, which was intercepted by Israeli forces. Israel said the maritime area off the Gaza Strip is under a "lawful naval blockade in accordance with international law."

Germany’s ambassador to Israel said a German national aboard the vessel met consular officials and legal advisers overnight. France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that six French citizens involved in the flotilla met with the consul. One agreed to be deported to France, while five others refused and were transferred to detention pending legal proceedings.

Israel’s Interior Minister Moshe Arbel said he ordered the entry ban for the 12 flotilla participants and their return to their countries of origin.