Swedish activist Greta Thunberg recently described her experience of being detained by Israeli forces while in international waters, as she arrived at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport following her deportation from Israel.
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Upon her arrival in Paris, Thunberg remarked, “We were kidnapped in international waters.” This statement underscores what she views as another intentional violation of human rights within a broader context of ongoing injustices in the region. She emphasized that while her experience was troubling, it pales in comparison to the daily struggles faced by Palestinians.
At 22 years old, Thunberg returned to Paris after Israeli naval forces intervened, preventing her and a group of fellow pro-Palestinian activists from sailing to Gaza. The Israeli navy intercepted their charity vessel, seizing the crew of twelve, including Thunberg, as they approached the coastal enclave.
Thunberg expressed confusion over the circumstances of her deportation, stating that she did not perceive her entry into Israel as illegal. She called for the immediate release of other activists still detained in Israel.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry commented on the situation, stating that those aboard what they referred to as the “selfie yacht” arrived at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv with intentions to leave Israel and return to their home countries. They further noted, “Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority.”
Huwaida Arraf, a founder of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and a human rights lawyer, asserted that the group was legally navigating international waters, and thus, Israel had no right to interfere. She stated, “Israel abducted the 12 people, took them to Israel, and is now claiming they entered unlawfully.” Arraf explained that the activists had been informed beforehand of the option to sign agreements for deportation while those who declined would face immigration hearings. However, she added, “This is all pro forma. There is no justice to be had in the Israeli legal system, so they will eventually be deported.”
Plans for another flotilla are already in motion, with Arraf asserting that true success will only come when the siege on Gaza is lifted. Footage from the incident showed activists calmly raising their hands as Israeli forces boarded the vessel, with assurance that no one was harmed during the arrest.
The interception of the vessel has drawn international condemnation. Turkey labeled the action a “heinous attack,” while Iran described it as “a form of piracy” in international waters. In a prior incident in May, another Freedom Flotilla ship was reportedly damaged by what activists suspected to be an Israeli drone attack.
On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz defended the long-standing naval blockade, stating it is essential for preventing arms smuggling to Palestinian militants.
The Madleen was reportedly intercepted approximately 185 kilometers from the Gaza coast, as stated by the coalition. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron urged that the six French nationals onboard be permitted to return to France swiftly. Among them were two journalists, Omar Fayyad from Al Jazeera and Yanis Mhamdi from the online publication Blast, both of whom have been denounced by media rights groups.
Al Jazeera issued a statement strongly condemning the Israeli actions, insisting on the immediate release of their reporter. Meanwhile, the Israeli NGO Adalah confirmed that the activists on the Madleen had sought legal assistance and were likely to be held in detention before their deportation.
As international criticism mounts, Israel faces increasing pressure to facilitate aid into Gaza to alleviate the dire shortages of food and essential supplies. Organizers have also mobilized a land convoy from Tunisia, considered a “symbolic act.” Recently, some aid deliveries were permitted after a long hiatus, although the United Nations has voiced concerns over the appropriateness of the newly-established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
In Gaza City, displaced resident Umm Mohammed Abu Namous articulated her hopes, saying, “I wish that all nations stand with us and help us. We need ten boats, not just one.” She added, “We are innocent people. Our children are dying of hunger… We do not want to lose more children because of hunger.”
The ongoing conflict, sparked by the 2023 Hamas attack, has already claimed more than 1,200 lives on the Israeli side, with most victims being civilians. Conversely, the health ministry in Gaza cites at least 54,800 fatalities, predominantly civilians, since the escalation of hostilities.
While the conflict continues to unfold, the situation remains dire, with significant impact on lives in the region.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
