On October 6, 2025, Israel deported 171 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The deportees were sent to Greece and Slovakia, marking a significant development in the ongoing international efforts to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
The flotilla, comprising over 450 activists from various countries, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in early October.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the mission as a “PR stunt” and released images of the activists at the airport.
While the ministry asserted that all legal rights of the detainees were upheld, activists reported mistreatment, including physical abuse and denial of medical care. Thunberg was among those alleging mistreatment during her detention.
The deportation of these activists underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the blockade and the international community’s divided response to efforts aimed at delivering aid to Gaza.
As of now, 138 activists remain in Israeli custody, with further deportations expected in the coming days.
