In a pre-recorded video, Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, one of the leaders of the Global Sumud flotilha, intercepted by the Israeli Navy on Wednesday (1) in the Mediterranean Sea, described Israel’s imminent approach as a kidnapping.
“My name is Greta Thunberg and I am a Swedish citizen. If you are watching this video, I was kidnapped and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was peaceful and respectful to international law. Please ask my government to demand immediate release, as well as others,” Thunberg said on Thursday (2) by news agencies.
On Wednesday, the Israeli government reported that the Swedish activist was in one of the first boats of the Global Sumud flotilla that were intercepted.
Like the other activists, she was arrested and taken to Israel, where she will be deported. The Foreign Ministry of Israel has published in X a video of Thunberg’s moment of arrest and ensured that she “and her friends are safe and healthy.”
According to information from The Times of Israel, 41 Flotilha boats were approached and about 400 activists were arrested.
They planned to bring humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, but Israel considered the plan a “provocation,” as there is a naval block in the region.
Prior to the approach, the activists had refused proposals to deliver supplies to Cyprus and Ashdod’s Israeli port.
By June, Greta Thunberg had already tried to dock with a ship with humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip to other protesters, but was prevented by Israel.
