Greta Thunberg Condemns ‘War Crimes’ in Gaza After Deportation from Israel

Alistair Jamieson

“We did nothing wrong,” Greta Thunberg said at the airport after flying to Paris from Israel. She accused Israel of war crimes against starving Palestinians.

She and 11 companions, a total of 12 volunteers, were trying to reach Gaza by sea on the Madeleine ship, carrying food, baby food, and medical supplies for Palestinian children. The Israeli navy stopped them from reaching Gaza by sea and brought them and their ship to an Israeli port. Later, their ship, the Madeleine, was seized and she and her team were deported by Israel. From Israel, they were flown to Paris.

“We did nothing wrong,” said the 22-year-old, accusing Israel of kidnapping her. “We were 12 peace-loving volunteers on a civilian ship carrying humanitarian aid in international waters,” she said.

“The Israelis who systematically prevented aid from reaching the starving Palestinians are committing war crimes,” she alleged.

The small aid ship Madeleine, part of the ongoing naval blockade of Gaza, was stopped by Israeli forces before reaching the coast.

Four volunteers, including Ms Thunberg, agreed to leave the country immediately, while eight others protested the repatriation order. Those who protested the order have been charged and are being held near Tel Aviv airport awaiting a court hearing. Among the eight detained, including the European Parliament Member from France.

Thunberg added, “We were well aware of the risks of this operation.” “Our goal was to reach Gaza and deliver aid.”

Israel has imposed a strict land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza. Israel says the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas militants. During the blockade, Israel is allowing limited food supplies into Gaza, mainly distributed by a group it supports.

Israel has dismissed the sea expedition by Thunberg and 12 climate activists as a propaganda stunt.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, “Greta and her friends brought a small amount of aid on their celebrity yacht. They did not help the people of Gaza. It was nothing more than a ridiculous strategy.”

He said the supplies on the yacht would be transferred to Gaza through “genuine humanitarian channels.”

Thunberg has argued for a relief effort organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a pro-Palestinian group, after a large cargo ship was hit by an Israeli-operated drone in the Mediterranean last month.

She has criticized and mocked Donald Trump, who described her as “angry” and “weird” overnight. She said, “The world needs more young, angry women, especially with everything happening right now.”

Ms. Thunberg, now living in Sweden, primarily travels by train and has largely avoided flying due to its higher carbon emissions. In 2019, she crossed the Atlantic by boat to attend a climate conference.

In March 2025, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza, pushing its population of over two million to the brink of famine, according to experts.

For the past two weeks, Israel has permitted limited food deliveries, mainly managed by a new Israeli-supported group. Israel says the move is necessary to prevent Hamas from misusing the aid. Hamas vehemently denies allegations of having diverted aid for their own use.

Alastair Jamieson – Deputy News Editor – The Independent Compiled and re-write by “Rahman Mahfuz.”