Greta Thunberg arrives in Athens after detention in Israel
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among hundreds of campaigners released from Israeli detention and warmly welcomed by crowds in Athens on arrival day. The 22-year-old, who had joined the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza by sea, stepped onto Greek soil as part of a broader wave of expulsions that followed an international maritime protest.
The flotilla’s mission and its reception
Thunberg described the Global Sumud Flotilla as “the biggest ever attempt to break Israel’s illegal and inhumane siege by sea.” Speaking at Athens International Airport, she urged global governments to do more to prevent what she called the ongoing “genocide” of Palestinians and called out perceived inaction from world leaders. Protesters unfurled a large Palestinian flag in the arrivals hall, chanting slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” and “Long live the flotilla.”
What happened to the detainees
Alongside Thunberg, up to 160 other activists were part of the arrival, with many reporting mistreatment after the flotilla’s interception by Israeli forces. Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, described being beaten by police during detention and claimed detainees were held in high-security cells, often in groups of 15, with limited amenities. Yasmin Acar, a flotilla steering committee member, stated that detainees were treated as “animals” and “terrorists,” and later described severe conditions including sleep deprivation and a lack of basic necessities during the first 48 hours.
Israel’s response and ongoing tensions
Israel has rejected accusations of mistreatment as untrue and characterized the flotilla as supporting Hamas. The Israeli government said the ships violated a restricted zone and that little humanitarian aid was found onboard. Israeli authorities reported the arrests of more than 470 people from the flotilla, with 138 participants remaining in detention at the time of the latest updates. In Greece, the foreign ministry described the flight as a “special repatriation” bringing 27 Greeks and 134 other nationals from 15 European countries home, while Bratislava confirmed a Slovak national’s return amid other deportations to Slovakia, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States.
What comes next for the movement
The Athens arrival marks a symbolic moment for activists who argue that civilians should be allowed safe passage to deliver humanitarian aid and to challenge what they call an illegal blockade. While governments grapple with strategic and diplomatic concerns, supporters say the flotilla’s mission has already boosted attention on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the broader debate over international responses to the conflict.
Broader implications and public response
Public reaction in Greece and across Europe has been mixed, reflecting the wider divide over how to address tensions in Gaza. For many demonstrators, Thunberg’s involvement reinforces the urgency they attribute to civilian-led movements and international solidarity campaigns. Critics, meanwhile, warn against inflaming regional tensions or complicating humanitarian access. As the activists regroup in Europe, their experience highlights ongoing calls for accountability and an end to the siege they contend has persisted for years.
With reporting by – © AFP2025
