Global Sumud Flotilla arrest: Israel to deport Greta Thunberg to Greece today

Global Sumud Flotilla activist Greta Thunberg is set to be deported to Greece on Monday, according to flotilla activists’ announcement on X. She will be among more than 70 people of different nationalities departing Israel after being detained aboard an intercepted Gaza aid flotilla.

The activists’ post stated, “Greta Thunberg set to be released tomorrow. To arrive in Greece.” Greece will cover the cost of the flight, which will also carry 27 Greek activists. Reports indicate the flight will include 28 French citizens, 15 Italians, and nine Swedes, according to Agence France-Presse.

The Greek Foreign Ministry said, “Upon instructions from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, tomorrow, Monday, October 6, 2025, a special flight will depart from the nearby Eilat-Ramon International Airport to safely return the Greek citizens to Athens on the same day.” Greece did not confirm whether Thunberg would be on this flight.

Twenty-one Spaniards returned to Spain on Sunday, though 28 Spanish nationals remain in Israeli custody. All detainees were aboard the 45-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla, which sought to breach the Israeli blockade to deliver aid to Gaza, where the United Nations says famine has taken hold. Israel intercepted the ships in international waters on Wednesday, preventing over 400 people from reaching Palestinian territory.

The Italian and Greek foreign ministries confirmed their nationals will fly to Athens on Monday. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the 15 Italians would receive support for onward travel to Italy. France’s foreign ministry confirmed the deportation of 28 French citizens to Greece. Sweden’s foreign ministry did not disclose the destination for its nationals, but Swedish media reported they might also be on the same flight to Greece.

Earlier, 26 Italians departed Israel on Saturday, but the remaining 15 faced delays over judicial procedures after refusing to sign forms for voluntary release. Some Italians alleged degrading treatment, including physical assaults.

Allegations of mistreatment

Journalist Saverio Tommasi described being “hit in the back and on the head” and said, “We were treated like old monkeys in the worst circuses of the 1920s,” according to the Ansa press agency.

Rafael Borrego, one of the Spaniards who returned home, said detainees had endured “repeated physical and mental abuse,” including blows and being forced to the ground.

“We were intercepted by a huge number of military vessels,” Paolo Romano, a regional councillor from Lombardy in Italy, told AFP at Istanbul airport.

“Some boats were also hit by water cannon. All of the boats were taken by very heavily armed people and brought to shore,” the 29-year-old said.

“They put us on our knees, facing down. And if we moved, they hit us. They were laughing at us, insulting us and hitting us,” he said.

“They were using both psychological and physical violence.”