Gaza ‘freedom flotilla’ protestors including Greta Thunberg to be deported ‘in hours’

Greta Thunberg and 12 other activists will be deported from Israel and placed on planes back to their home countries within hours.

The Swedish activist set sail on the Madleen boat on June 1 along with other activists from France, Ireland, Italy and more. The group were snatched by Israel while in international waters.

After being taken to an Israeli prison for migrants, the flotilla activists have reportedly been taken to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport to be deported.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said: ‘Some of the “Selfie Yacht” passengers are expected to leave within the next few hours. 

‘Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority, in accordance with Israeli law, to authorise their deportation.’

Representatives from each of the activists’ home countries met with them, it has been reported. Most are expected to appear in court in Ashdod, Israel.

The boat was attempting to carry aid to the Gaza Strip, where famine is rampant (Picture: Instagram)

The activists will be shown a video of the October 7 attacks before being deported, according to Israeli media.

The group, called the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, were aiming to get to Gaza carrying flour, rice, baby formula, and other basic supplies.

Their detainment has sparked international outrage, with many pointing out it’s illegal under international law to interfere with freedom of navigation and to block aid.

In March, Israel announced they were blocking all goods and supplies from entering Gaza, sparking a famine within the strip.

‘Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences,’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the time.

What is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition?

The boat was sailing under the UK flag (Picture: PA)

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a group of people working across the world to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

The organisation, which was founded in 2015, have been involved in several missions before.

In 2015, the Freedom Flotilla III set sail from Athens and planned to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, but was intercepted by the Israeli navy around 100 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza.

A year later, a crew of 26 women set sail in 2016 to highlight the struggle of women in Gaza.

It was divided into three legs: Barcelona to Ajaccio, Ajaccio to Messina, and Messina to Gaza. Each leg was crewed by thirteen volunteers with several members alternating at different legs of the voyage.

But the boat was intercepted 35 nautical miles away from the Gaza coast and the women were sent back to their home countries.

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