On Monday, October 6, 2025, a group of 161 activists, including renowned Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, arrived in Athens, Greece, after being expelled by Israel for their participation in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. The activists, hailing from 16 European countries, were detained by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza via a maritime convoy. Following their detention, they were deported from Israel on a special repatriation flight, which landed safely at Athens International Airport. An additional ten activists from the flotilla were deported to Slovakia, according to reports.
The Greek foreign ministry confirmed the safe arrival of the repatriation flight, which carried 27 Greek citizens who had participated in what was officially termed the "Global Sumud Flotilla." The ministry's statement further noted that the flight facilitated the return of 134 nationals from 15 other European countries, though specific details regarding the nationalities of these individuals were not disclosed. The Swedish branch of the Global Movement for Gaza, an organization advocating for Palestinian rights, also confirmed that Swedish nationals, including Thunberg, were among those on board the Athens-bound flight.
Upon arriving at Athens International Airport, the activists made a powerful statement of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. In a display of defiance and unity, they unfurled a large Palestinian flag in the airport's arrivals hall and chanted slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” and “Long live the flotilla.” These actions underscored the group’s unwavering commitment to their cause, despite their detention and deportation by Israeli authorities. The scene at the airport drew attention from onlookers and highlighted the activists’ determination to continue advocating for humanitarian aid and justice for Palestinians.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, in which these activists participated, was organized to deliver essential humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip, a region that has faced significant challenges due to ongoing conflict and restrictions on access to basic necessities. The flotilla aimed to break through the maritime blockade imposed by Israel, which has severely limited the flow of goods, medical supplies, and other essentials into Gaza. Activists involved in the flotilla sought to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region and to challenge the blockade, which they argue violates international law and exacerbates the suffering of Gaza’s residents.
Greta Thunberg, a globally recognized figure for her climate activism, has increasingly lent her voice to other social justice causes, including the Palestinian struggle. Her participation in the flotilla brought significant media attention to the initiative, amplifying the activists’ message. Thunberg’s involvement also sparked polarized reactions, with supporters praising her for using her platform to highlight the plight of Palestinians, while critics argued that her participation in the flotilla was a departure from her environmental advocacy. Nonetheless, her presence underscored the growing intersectionality between climate justice and other human rights movements.
The detention and subsequent deportation of the activists by Israel reflect the country’s strict enforcement of its maritime blockade around Gaza. Israeli authorities have consistently intercepted flotillas attempting to reach the Gaza Strip, citing security concerns and the need to prevent weapons smuggling. However, activists and human rights organizations argue that the blockade is a form of collective punishment that restricts access to vital resources and infringes on the rights of Palestinians. The interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest in a series of similar incidents, where aid vessels have been stopped, and their passengers detained and deported.
The repatriation flight to Athens was a coordinated effort to return the activists to their home countries or, in some cases, to a central hub for further travel. Greece, as a key entry point to Europe, served as a logical destination for the majority of the deported activists. The Greek government’s cooperation in facilitating the repatriation process highlights its role in addressing the logistical challenges of returning such a large group of individuals from multiple countries. The safe landing of the flight was a relief to the families and supporters of the activists, who had been closely monitoring the situation since news of their detention broke.
The Swedish branch of the Global Movement for Gaza expressed gratitude for the safe return of its members while condemning Israel’s actions. In a statement, the organization reiterated its commitment to challenging the Gaza blockade and called for international action to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. “The deportation of our activists will not deter us from our mission,” the statement read. “We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and work toward justice and freedom.”
The events surrounding the flotilla have reignited debates about the legality and morality of Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Supporters of the activists argue that humanitarian aid missions, such as the Global Sumud Flotilla, are critical to addressing the dire living conditions in Gaza, where access to clean water, electricity, and medical care remains limited. Critics of the flotilla, however, contend that such actions risk escalating tensions and may inadvertently support militant groups in the region. These differing perspectives highlight the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of delivering aid in a politically charged environment.
For Greta Thunberg and her fellow activists, the deportation marks a temporary setback but is unlikely to diminish their resolve. Thunberg, who rose to global prominence at the age of 15 for her school strikes for climate action, has consistently used her platform to advocate for systemic change. Her participation in the flotilla is a testament to her belief that global issues, whether environmental or humanitarian, are interconnected and require collective action. In interviews prior to the flotilla, Thunberg emphasized the importance of standing up for marginalized communities, drawing parallels between the environmental devastation caused by climate change and the human suffering caused by conflict and oppression.
The arrival of the activists in Athens also sparked discussions within Greece about the country’s role in the broader geopolitical context. Greece, a nation with a history of supporting humanitarian causes, has often found itself at the crossroads of international crises. The government’s decision to facilitate the repatriation of the activists was seen as a pragmatic move, but it also prompted questions about Greece’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its willingness to engage in regional advocacy.
As the activists disperse to their respective countries, the Global Sumud Flotilla incident is likely to remain a focal point for discussions about humanitarian aid, international law, and the rights of Palestinians. The boldness of the activists’ actions, combined with the high-profile involvement of figures like Greta Thunberg, ensures that the issue will continue to resonate globally. Social media platforms, including X, have been abuzz with reactions to the deportation, with hashtags related to the flotilla trending in several countries. Posts on X from supporters praised the activists for their courage, while others debated the political implications of their actions.
Looking ahead, the Global Movement for Gaza and similar organizations are expected to continue their efforts to challenge the blockade and deliver aid to Gaza. The international community’s response to these initiatives will likely shape the future of such missions. For now, the safe return of the activists to Athens marks the end of one chapter in their advocacy, but their chants of “Freedom for Palestine” and “Long live the flotilla” at the airport signal that their fight is far from over.
In conclusion, the deportation of Greta Thunberg and 160 other activists to Athens after their participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Their actions have brought renewed attention to the blockade and its impact on the region’s residents, while also highlighting the challenges faced by activists seeking to deliver aid in a conflict zone. As the world watches, the determination of these activists to continue their work suggests that the struggle for justice and humanitarian relief in Gaza will remain a critical issue on the global stage.
