Israel has issued an update after Greta Thunberg claimed she was ‘kidnapped’.
The activist said she was ‘kidnapped by Israeli forces’ after they stopped the aid boat sailing for Gaza.
They left on June 1 aboard The Madleen, operated by activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition, from Catania, Italy with help for those suffering in Gaza.
As reported by LBC, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Brigadier General said: “We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly.
“We are well prepared.”
Thunberg shared: “We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying. Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity,”,
“And, no matter how dangerous this mission is, it’s nowhere near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide.”
The activists who were bringing flour, rice, baby formula and other necessary aid to the people, have been intercepted by Israeli armed forces and were taken to the post of Ashdod – where they were shown a video of the October 7 attacks.
The organizers claim that the 12 activists were ‘kidnapped by Israeli forces’ and that their boat was ‘unlawfully boarded’.
https://x.com/SolimanHijjy/status/1931882172710887505
This triggered the release of a pre-recorded video of the 22-year-old. In it, she said: “My name is Greta Thunberg and I am from Sweden.
“If you see this video we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces — or forces that support Israel.
“I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on X: ‘The “selfie yacht” of the “celebrities” is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.’
Israel Katz said: ‘I have instructed the IDF to act to prevent the ‘Madeleine’ hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza – and to take whatever measures are necessary to that end.
‘To the anti-Semitic Greta and her fellow Hamas propaganda spokespeople, I say clearly: You should turn back – because you will not reach Gaza.’
‘Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations – at sea, in the air, and on land.’
According to the ministry, the 12 activists were undergoing health checks and were expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry’s later updated on social media; “The passengers of the ‘Selfie Yacht’ arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries.
“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 authorize their deportation.
“Consuls from the passengers’ home countries met them at the airport.”
Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer shared: “This wasn’t humanitarian aid. It’s Instagram activism,”, “Meanwhile, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks. So who’s really feeding Gaza and who’s really feeding their own ego? Greta was not bringing aid, she was bringing herself.”
The amount of aid items onboard the boat was reportedly less than a truckload, as reported by PA.
