Greta Thunberg has accused Israeli forces of “attacking and kidnapping” her and 11 other activists in international waters after their boat, The Madleen, was intercepted en route to Gaza. The 22-year-old broke her silence upon landing in Paris following her deportation.
🚨 UK sanctions fuel rising pressure
Her comments come just as the UK slapped sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers – Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich – for what Foreign Secretary David Lammy called “monstrous” incitement to violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
In a rare joint statement, the foreign ministers of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway said:
“Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights… These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.”
They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a surge in aid.
🛥️ Thunberg speaks out
Speaking to reporters in France, Thunberg condemned the Israeli military’s actions, saying:
“We were attacked and kidnapped in international waters.”
The boat, flying a UK flag, had set sail from Sicily and was heading toward the Egyptian coast when it was intercepted off the coast of Egypt early Monday. The group was taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where they were detained and later deported.
🇪🇸 Fellow activist confirms their account
Spanish activist Sergio Toribio, who landed in Barcelona after also being deported, echoed Thunberg’s statement:
“There is no military base, nor a military zone. These were international waters.”
He added that the group was detained for hours:
“They held us on the boat and kept us on deck for nearly half a day until sunrise. They gave us food and water, but we were under watch the whole time.”
🌍 A growing rift
The incident has added to growing international tension over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its treatment of activists and aid workers.
While governments call for restraint, it’s these moments – one viral clip, one intercepted boat – that often shift global opinion fastest.
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Related: Forced to watch atrocity videos – how Thunberg’s detainment mirrors Clockwork Orange
