Greta Samberg Deported from Israel Amid Gaza Fleet Interception

Swedish climate activist Greta Samberg has reported her deportation from Israel, with the Israeli Foreign Ministry confirming that the navy detained her Gaza-bound fleet. According to the ministry, Samberg is currently flying back to Sweden via France.

In an announcement posted on X, the ministry stated, “Greta Samberg just left Israel on a flight to Sweden (via France).” While Samberg and three other activists were taken to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation, eight additional individuals, including European Parliament members, refused to sign the deportation letter.

The 22-year-old activist expressed to her lawyer that she felt she could “do better things outside of Israel,” suggesting that resisting deportation might “harm” her cause, as reported by the Israeli organization Adara.

Notably, Samberg typically avoids air travel as part of her climate activism, making this flight out of Israel somewhat unusual for her.

The Israeli Navy had intercepted a fleet named Madreen earlier on Monday. Samberg shared a video amidst confusion regarding her previous statements claiming she was “invited” to Israel, referencing the hostage situation in Gaza that has persisted since October 7, 2023.

Regarding her claim of being invited, comments from various officials varied. When asked about it, President Donald Trump stated, “I think Israel has enough problems without tempting Greta Samberg.” He further labeled climate activists as “strange people” and suggested the need for “anger management” courses.

Samberg is one of twelve individuals aboard a flotilla labeled a “selfie yacht” by Israel, which claims the mission is more about promotion than aid. The Israeli authorities indicated that the Madreen contained no actual supplies for Gaza, despite assertions that aid was intended for the region.

In response to the situation, Israel emphasized that any contribution to Gaza would be channeled through established humanitarian routes rather than through what it described as provocations or publicity stunts.

Additionally, the Israeli Foreign Ministry mentioned that over 1,200 aid trucks have recently entered Gaza, with a controversial aid organization delivering millions of meals to civilians there.