By SCM Staff Writer I Monday, October 06, 2025
JERUSALEM — Climate activist Greta Thunberg, one of the high-profile participants in the intercepted Global Sumud Flotilla, sharply denounced the international response to the conflict in Gaza and accused Israel of violating international law following her deportation from the region.
After being released from Israeli custody, Thunberg issued a scathing statement, asserting that “A genocide is taking place in Gaza before our eyes” and arguing that “The international system is betraying the Palestinians in Gaza.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a vessel carrying international activists and humanitarian aid, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy while attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip and deliver supplies. Israeli authorities subsequently detained and later deported the activists, including Thunberg.
Thunberg framed the flotilla’s mission as a necessary action in the face of governmental inaction. “The Sumud Flotilla was an attempt to do what governments have failed to do — to break the siege and deliver aid,” she said.
The Swedish activist did not mince words when criticizing global leaders, stating, “Our leaders do not represent us as long as they fail to stop the war in Gaza.”
She reiterated her belief that governments are complicit in the ongoing suffering: “Our so-called leaders continue to support genocide, death, and destruction in Gaza.”
She emphasized the severity of the humanitarian crisis, citing “a deliberate starvation of millions of people in Gaza living under a cruel blockade.”
Thunberg also leveled serious accusations against Israel regarding the operation and subsequent detention, stating that “Israel has once again violated international law by preventing the Sumud Flotilla from reaching Gaza and continuing to starve the population.”
She detailed what she and other activists allegedly endured while in custody, claiming they “were subjected to physical and psychological abuse and mistreatment during our detention in ‘Israeli’ prisons.” Thunberg added that she “could speak at length about the mistreatment we endured.”
Downplaying her own role, she stressed that the activists were merely responding to a dire need. “What we are doing is the bare minimum for Gaza — we are not heroes,” she stated. “All we did was try to respond to the call of the people of Gaza to break the siege and deliver aid.”
Ultimately, the activist called for a complete reversal of policy toward the Palestinian territories. “We don’t just need aid to enter Gaza — we demand an end to the siege, the occupation, and the injustice,” she concluded.
Israeli officials have previously defended the interception of such vessels, citing security concerns and stating that any aid must be coordinated and inspected before entering the territory.
Israel maintains that its security measures against Gaza are necessary to counter threats posed by Hamas and other militant groups.
