The much-discussed sailing trip by pro-Palestinian activist Greta Thunberg (22) could end in detention for the Swedish activist: The Israeli government does not want to “set a precedent” and plans to stop and arrest the eleven-member crew.

Israeli authorities are preparing for the arrival of a sailing ship with prominent activists on board – including climate icon Greta Thunberg – which is currently heading for the Gaza Strip. According to a report by Israeli broadcaster Kan 11, the crew will be prohibited from docking in the coastal area. Israel’s security authorities have decided that the ship should not be allowed to approach the Palestinian territory sealed off by Israel. The aim is to “not set a precedent.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said they were prepared for a possible incident. IDF spokeswoman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said at a press conference: “The army is ready for action – including at sea.” They would “respond accordingly” if the ship headed for the restricted zone. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced consultations with army leaders on possible measures for Thursday. According to media reports, one option is to tow the ship to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where the eleven-member crew could be arrested.

The group on board the sailing ship “Madleen” – organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition – includes Thunberg, Irish actor Liam Cunningham (“Game of Thrones”), German activist Yasemin Acar, and French-Palestinian politician Rima Hassan. They set sail from Sicily on Sunday with the aim of bringing aid supplies to Gaza, which has been severely affected by the war. According to the organizers, the ship is carrying baby food, medicine, hygiene items, rice, and water filters, among other things. The mission is not only intended to deliver aid, but also to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and send a message against the Israeli naval blockade.

Israel has blocked similar aid missions in the past and regularly denied activists entry to Gaza.

The action has sparked international political and media debate, with US Senator Lindsey Graham’s reaction particularly harsh. On the X platform, the Republican wrote sarcastically: “Hopefully Greta and her friends can swim.” The comment sparked widespread outrage. Journalist Mehdi Hasan described it as “threatening” and “sociopathic.” Other users also sharply criticized Graham: “What drives a 69-year-old senator to joke about the possible drowning of a 22-year-old activist?”

One-sided stance on the Gaza conflict

Greta Thunberg herself has repeatedly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. She accused Israel of “genocide” and openly expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people. Her position has drawn criticism not only in Israel. The German government’s anti-Semitism commissioner, Felix Klein, described Thunberg’s statements on the Middle East conflict as “anti-Israel” and accused her of indirectly questioning Israel’s right to exist. Critics also accuse Thunberg of bias in her stance on the Gaza war.

Credit: APA