Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was deported from Israel on Tuesday after joining a group trying to sail aid into Gaza. The Israeli navy stopped their boat the day before, saying it was trying to break the naval blockade that surrounds Gaza.
The boat, carrying 12 people, was part of a mission by the group Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Israeli forces seized the vessel and brought it to Israel. Thunberg and three others agreed to leave the country right away. The other eight are waiting near Tel Aviv airport for a court decision about their deportation.
One of those staying is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. Thunberg said the group was peaceful and only carrying aid. After landing in Paris, she accused Israel of acting unfairly and blocking help from reaching people in need.
Israel has kept a strict blockade on Gaza since 2007. Officials say it’s meant to stop weapons from getting to Hamas, a group that controls Gaza and has fought against Israel. Gaza has been facing a serious crisis, with little food and supplies getting through.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the aid trip a “publicity stunt” and said the supplies on the yacht were small and not enough to make a difference. Officials said the items would still be sent into Gaza through approved channels.
Greta is known for avoiding airplanes to protect the planet. In 2019, she crossed the Atlantic by sailboat to attend a climate summit.
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