Swedish activist Greta Thunberg received a tumultuous welcome in Athens, Greece, after being deported by Israel following her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Thunberg was among approximately 170 activists expelled from Israel after the military intercepted the flotilla, which aimed to break the years-long naval blockade of Gaza. Upon her arrival in Athens, she was greeted by a large, cheering, pro-Palestinian crowd.
Speaking to supporters, Thunberg strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, stating, “Let me be very clear: there is a genocide going on.” She also referenced the alleged mistreatment in Israeli custody, which other flotilla members reported, including insufficient food and water and humiliation. However, she insisted that the focus should remain on the suffering in Gaza and urged world leaders to end their “complicity” and prevent “the worst war crimes.” Israel’s foreign ministry has rejected all accusations of mistreatment as “brazen lies.”