Israel has expelled environmental activist Greta Thunberg and 170 other participants from an international flotilla that aimed to deliver aid to Gaza but was blocked by Israel last week. The deportees were sent to Greece and Slovakia. The total number of people deported from the flotilla reached 341 out of 479 detainees.
According to Israel’s foreign ministry, all legal rights of the participants were respected during the deportation process. The only reported violence involved an activist who allegedly bit a female medic at Ketziot prison in Israel.
Thunberg, known for her climate change advocacy, departed from Ramon airbase in Israel’s Negev Desert. The deported individuals are from various countries including Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, and others.
Upon returning to Switzerland, some of the deportees alleged mistreatment including sleep deprivation, lack of food and water, physical abuse, and confinement in cages. However, Israeli authorities have denied these claims.
Spanish activists also reported mistreatment upon their arrival in Spain, with allegations of physical abuse and degrading treatment. Israeli officials have refuted these allegations as well.
The Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that Swiss nationals, who were part of the flotilla, were in relatively good health. Despite the reported mistreatment, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau emphasized that the treatment they received was minor compared to the daily struggles of Palestinians.
Consular staff from various countries visited the detained activists, with reports of challenges in accessing translators and consular assistance during the deportation process. Israel has dismissed claims of mistreatment as false and assured that detainees were provided with essential amenities and legal rights.
