"Illegally Attacked And Kidnapped By Israel": Says Greta After Arrival In France After Deportation (image-instagram/ gretathunberg)

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, after being deported by the Israeli government, while speaking to the media in France, stated that she and her fellow crew members were “illegally attacked and kidnapped” while they were in international waters.

Greta, along with 11 other crew members, were on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC)’s Madleen ship that had headed to Gaza calling for an end to the blockade and an immediate ceasefire. Just hours before reaching the seized land, the Israeli military intercepted and abducted all the crew members during the early hours on Monday.

Read also: Activist Greta Thunberg Deported After Israel Seized Madleen Aid Ship

While speaking to the media, Greta repeatedly emphasized the urgent need to address the crisis in Gaza. She further stated that the abduction of the ship is yet another breach of international law committed by Israel—one of many violations it continues to carry out in Gaza.

When one of the reporters asked about how the Israeli military had treated them, as the foreign ministry had shared video of them providing water and sandwiches to the hostages, Greta said, “they probably have posted many PR stunt videos as I have said I have not seen anything.” Greta and others had their phones taken away by the military. She further stated that Israel committed an illegal act by kidnapping them and taking them to Israel against their will.

Greta, when asked about detainees, said she is unaware of what had happened to others. “I am very worried about them. We heard many different messages,” she said. She also added that Israel would not make it easy for them as they had already faced difficulties even seeing their lawyers. “I am calling for their immediate release,” urging all the governments to take appropriate action she said.

She also urged governments and organizations across the world to come together to put an end to the occupation, systemic oppression, and violence the Palestinians have to face on a day-to-day basis.

Greta told the reporter that ‘disappointed’ is not the right word for not being able to complete the mission, and this is a war crime Israel is “systematically committing against Palestinians by not letting the aid come in, by starving people and mass slaughtering during a live-streamed genocide which the whole world is watching.”

She also expressed her distress over the European governments’ silence and complicity in their case as well as in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. “By sending financial aid to Israel, they are also being part of the killing of the Palestinians.”

Read also: Indian Delegation To Join The Global March To Gaza Alongside Thousands

Regarding the UN conference in which France is to recognize the state of Palestine, Greta described it to be the “bare minimum” when genocide unfolds at their doorstep.

She further emphasised the collective failure to end this, remarking, “there are no words to (describe) the betrayal that is happening every day by our governments.”