ATHENS – Climate activist Greta Thunberg received a warm welcome in Athens on Monday after being expelled from Israel along with hundreds of other activists detained during a Gaza aid flotilla mission. The Swedish campaigner, aged 22, was among 171 deportees flown to Greece following Israel’s capture of the flotilla that sought to break its naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Greek Foreign Ministry confirmed that 161 activists, including Thunberg, arrived in Athens, representing nearly 20 countries.
Addressing a cheering pro-Palestinian crowd at the airport, Thunberg strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them part of an ongoing “genocide.” She said the international community had failed Palestinians by ignoring their suffering and allowing war crimes to continue unchecked. Thunberg explained that the “Global Sumud Flotilla” aimed to take humanitarian action when governments failed to fulfil their legal and moral responsibilities to protect civilians in Gaza.
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The activists had attempted to reach Gaza in dozens of boats carrying aid supplies for its 2.2 million residents, most of whom have been displaced amid severe food shortages. However, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla and detained 479 people. Israel has denied accusations of genocide and claimed the flotilla was a publicity stunt to benefit Hamas. It also stated that detainees’ rights were respected and that reports of abuse were “complete lies.”
Despite Israel’s denials, several activists from Switzerland and Spain have described being subjected to harsh treatment while in Israeli custody. They alleged sleep deprivation, beatings, and being held in cages without food or water. Spanish lawyer Rafael Borrego said detainees were blindfolded, handcuffed, and dragged along the ground. Swedish activists also claimed that Thunberg was pushed and forced to wear an Israeli flag during detention, with their personal belongings and medication confiscated.
Speaking to reporters after her release, Thunberg said the mistreatment of detainees was not the main issue, insisting the real tragedy was the ongoing suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. She accused Israel of violating international law by blocking humanitarian aid and intensifying its military campaign. “They are trying to erase an entire population in front of our eyes,” she said, vowing to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and global accountability.
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Meanwhile, Israel’s foreign ministry reiterated that all detainees were treated properly, with full access to food, water, and legal counsel. The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that its nationals were in “relatively good health.” Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, who also participated in the flotilla, acknowledged some mistreatment but said it was minor compared to the “daily suffering of Palestinians” under Israeli bombardment.