Greta Thunberg Among Gaza Flotilla Detainees to Leave Israel

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg will be among more than 70 people of various nationalities leaving Israel on Monday, following their detention aboard an intercepted Gaza aid flotilla.

Most, if not all, of those released from Israeli custody are expected to be flown first to Greece, from where they can catch onward flights to their home countries, according to statements from their respective governments on Sunday.

Those departing Israel on Monday include:

Additionally, 21 Spaniards returned separately to Spain on Sunday. However, several foreigners remain in Israeli custody, including 28 Spanish nationals.

All had been aboard the 45-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla, which carried activists and politicians attempting to bypass the Israeli blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has warned that famine is spreading.

The Israeli navy began intercepting the flotilla in international waters on Wednesday. An Israeli official stated on Thursday that vessels carrying more than 400 people were prevented from reaching Palestinian territory.

The Italian and Greek foreign ministries confirmed that their nationals would be flown from Israel to Athens on Monday. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on X that the 15 Italians would receive support for subsequent travel to Italy.

The French Foreign Ministry stated that the 28 French citizens would also fly to Greece, comprising the bulk of the 30 French nationals seized.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry did not specify the flight arrangements, though Swedish media indicated the Swedes may also travel via Greece.

A first group of 26 Italians left Israel on Saturday. The remaining 15 had to await judicial expulsion, as they refused to sign a form permitting voluntary release.

Several Italians from the first group reported degrading treatment by Israeli authorities. Saverio Tommasi, a journalist for Fanpage, said he was struck in the back and head by his captors: “We were treated like old monkeys in the worst circuses of the 1920s.” – Saverio Tommasi, Ansa press agency

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard told AFP that embassy staff in Tel Aviv had been able to visit the nine Swedish detainees. She confirmed on Sunday: “The Israeli authorities informed us that they are set to authorise the Swedish citizens to leave Israel tomorrow (Monday) by plane.”

One returning Spaniard, Rafael Borrego, reported that detainees had endured “repeated physical and mental abuse,” including being struck and forced to the ground.

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail last month, carrying activists and politicians—including Greta Thunberg—towards Gaza to deliver aid amid a humanitarian crisis. The UN has warned that famine conditions are worsening in the Palestinian territory.

Israel’s interception of the flotilla prevented its intended mission, leading to the detention of hundreds of international activists. Governments across Europe have coordinated to secure the safe release and repatriation of their citizens.