An update has been released regarding the well-being of Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists aboard a boat intercepted by Israeli forces.
Update Issued After Greta Thunberg’s Kidnapping Allegation
Authorities have provided new details on the status of Greta Thunberg and 11 fellow activists who were on a British-flagged vessel, the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) to deliver aid to Palestinians when it was seized by Israeli forces.
Thunberg released a prerecorded video during the interception, claiming she and others needed urgent assistance. “My name is Greta Thunberg, and I am from Sweden. If you’re seeing this, we are being intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by Israeli occupational forces or their supporters,” the 22-year-old stated. “I call on my friends, family, and comrades to press the Swedish government to secure our immediate release.”
In the video, Thunberg pleads for help.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry reported that by the evening of June 9, Thunberg and the other activists were brought to Ashdod, where they received medical evaluations to confirm their health. Deportation proceedings have since begun, with Thunberg agreeing to leave and departing Tel Aviv for France on Tuesday. A photo of her boarding a plane was shared.
However, France noted that five of the six French activists onboard have refused to sign deportation orders and will now face an Israeli judicial authority. Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated on X: “Individuals who decline to sign deportation documents and exit Israel voluntarily will appear before a judicial body, as required by Israeli law, to enforce their deportation.”
Thunberg is seen on a flight leaving Tel Aviv.
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, posted on X: “Our consul met with the six French nationals detained by Israeli authorities last night. One has agreed to leave voluntarily and is expected to return today. The remaining five will undergo forced deportation proceedings.”
The FFC issued a statement Monday night, anticipating that activists refusing deportation would be moved from Ramle prison near Tel Aviv. The coalition demanded: “We insist on the immediate release of all volunteers and the return of the confiscated aid. Their detention is illegal and violates international law.”
