JERUSALEM (AP) – Greta Samberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday, just a day after Israeli forces seized the ship bound for Gaza.
On her journey back to Sweden, Samberg urged the release of fellow activists detained with her in the Freedom Fleet. She described the situation in detention as “very confusing and uncertain.”
Activist Greta Samberg arriving in Paris from Israel on June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Michelle Euler)
The conditions they faced were “nothing compared to what people in Palestine endure, especially in Gaza,” she stated. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the organization behind the expedition, indicated that the journey aimed to protest Israel’s restrictions on aid for the over 2 million inhabitants of Gaza resulting from the war.
Thunberg Calls for Support Mobilization
AP Audio: Israel expelled Greta Samberg after the ship she was on was bound for Gaza.
AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports that the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the expulsion of activist Greta Samberg.
“We were fully conscious of the risks associated with this mission,” said Samberg. “The aim was to facilitate aid distribution upon arrival in Gaza,” she asserted, revealing that activists would persist in their quest for assistance in Gaza.
On Monday, former US President Donald Trump referred to Samberg as a “young angry man” and suggested he should consider anger management classes.
“The world requires a younger, angry woman,” Samberg replied on Tuesday.
Now back in Sweden, Samberg expressed a desire to take a shower and mentioned her limited access to phone communication over the past few days. Activists were detained separately, with some struggling to access legal representation, she added.
When asked why she opted for deportation, Samberg responded, “Why would I want to remain in an Israeli prison longer than necessary?”
She urged her supporters to request their government to “not only facilitate entry into Gaza but also to demand an end to the occupation and the systemic oppression and violence that Palestinians experience daily, as well as to advocate for the most essential issues.”
Samberg emphasized the recognition of Palestine, which has minimal support from the government.
Samberg was among the 12 passengers of the Madleen. The Israeli Navy captured the boat without incident early Monday, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, along with human rights organizations, is reacting to Israel’s actions in international waters. This constitutes a violation of international law. Israel has declined to present any charges, asserting that it upholds a legal naval blockade on Gaza.
Israel regards these vessels not as humanitarian efforts but as publicity stunts, referring to them as “selfie yachts” that carry only “minimal” amounts of aid, less than what would be transported by truck.
Other Activists Facing Deportation
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that three activists, including Thunberg, were deported alongside journalists, advocating for their freedom to share their experiences.
The remaining eight passengers declined deportation and were held until transactions were filed in court by Israeli authorities. Adara, the Israeli legal rights organization representing them, indicated they are slated to appear in court later on Tuesday.
“Their detention is illegal, politically motivated, and directly contravenes international law,” the coalition asserted in a statement, calling for the remaining passengers to be released without deportation and for their legal representatives to be permitted to assist them in reaching Gaza.
Sabine Haddad, a spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Interior, stated that activists deported on Tuesday had relinquished their right to a court appearance. She noted that one individual, not held for 96 hours prior to deportation, is being detained.
Among the passengers was Lima Hassan, a French member of the Palestinian European Parliament, previously barred from entering Israel due to her opposition to Israeli policies towards Palestinians. It remains unclear whether she was immediately deported or detained.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barott stated that one French activist, who was detained, signed an expulsion order and was set to leave on Tuesday while five others declined.
Spanish activist Sergio Toribio condemned Israel’s conduct upon his arrival in Barcelona, declaring, “It’s unacceptable. This constitutes a violation of our rights. It’s a pirate attack on international waters,” he told the media.
Long-standing Gaza Lockdown
Currently, Palestinians in Gaza are almost wholly dependent on international aid.
Since Hamas took control from rival Palestinian forces in 2007, Israel and Egypt have imposed various levels of blockades on Gaza. Israel argues that the blockade is essential to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons, though critics argue it amounts to collective punishment of Gazans.
Throughout the 20-month war in Gaza, Israel frequently restricted or cut off aid, including food, fuel, and medicine, to the area. Experts assert that this policy has pushed Gaza towards starvation. Israel contends that Hamas is exploiting aid to bolster its authority.
Hamas-led militants initiated the war during an attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians. This provoked the release of 251 hostages in ceasefire negotiations or other arrangements. Currently, Hamas is believed to still hold 55 hostages, with many presumed dead.
Israel’s military operations have claimed the lives of more than 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The Ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but notes that women and children account for the majority of casualties.
The war has devastated large regions of Gaza and displaced about 90% of the territory’s population.
___
Associated Press journalists Angela Charlton in Paris, Teresa Medrano in Madrid, Melanie Ridman in Jerusalem, and Tia Goldenberg in Tel Aviv contributed to this report.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war here.
Source: apnews.com