‘We were well aware of risks': Greta Thunberg on Gaza aid mission after being deported, calls Israeli action a ‘kidnapping'
Greta Thunberg on Gaza aid mission after being deported, calls Israeli action a 'kidnapping' (Picture credit: AP)
Greta Thunberg
, the renowned climate activist, was deported from Israel on Tuesday after being detained along with other activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid boat, the Madleen.
Upon her arrival at Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport, Thunberg spoke about the situation, calling the Israeli action a "kidnapping" and an "intentional violation of rights."
She emphasised that while her own experience was troubling, it paled in comparison to the dire circumstances faced by the people in Palestine, particularly in Gaza.
"The conditions we faced are absolutely nothing compared to what people are going through in Palestine and especially Gaza right now," she said, urging her supporters to take action.
Thunberg's deportation comes in the wake of Israeli military forces intercepting the vessel in international waters, an action she has vehemently condemned as a violation of rights.
Thunberg, who has eschewed air travel for years to minimise her carbon footprint, explained that the aim of the mission was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. "We were well aware of the risks of this mission," she said. "The aim was to get to Gaza and to be able to distribute the aid." She expressed her disappointment at being forced to leave but added, 'Why would I want to stay in an Israeli prison more than necessary?'
Alongside her deportation, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said that three activists, including Thunberg, were expelled, while others chose to remain and face legal proceedings in Israel.
Thunberg called for the release of the remaining activists, advocating for their right to continue their journey to deliver aid. She urged governments worldwide to mobilise for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza and to recognise Palestine as a critical step towards alleviating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The Israeli foreign ministry announced Thunberg's deportation, which took place after the Madleen was seized about 200 kilometres off the coast of Gaza.
Israel justified its actions by stating the ship was attempting to breach a lawful naval blockade, a claim disputed by human rights groups and legal advocates who argue that the interception in international waters is a breach of international law.
Thunberg's presence on the ship, which included a diverse group of activists from various countries, aimed to highlight the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. "This is yet another intentional violation of rights that is added to the list of countless other violations that Israel is committing," she asserted.
She further emphasised the urgent need for humanitarian aid and an end to the systemic oppression faced by Palestinians, saying that recognising Palestine is 'the very, very, very minimum' that governments can do to assist.
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