Greta Thunberg has been deported from Israel after being detained when authorities seized her Gaza-bound vessel, the 'Madleen', which was part of a humanitarian initiative known as the 'Freedom Flotilla'.

Israel’s foreign ministry confirmed that Thunberg, aged 22, is on a flight back to Sweden via France, captured in images released by the ministry.

The Madleen was among a group of vessels carrying aid for civilians in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly amid ongoing conflict.

Thunberg was one of 12 passengers on board the British-flagged yacht when Israeli authorities intercepted the ship.

Following the seizure, Thunberg, two other activists, and a journalist voluntarily agreed to be deported.

Meanwhile, eight activists declined to sign their deportation documents, resulting in extended detention for those individuals.

The Israeli foreign ministry stated that those refusing to comply would be brought before a judicial authority to facilitate their deportation in accordance with Israeli law.

The flotilla was intercepted in international waters approximately 200 kilometers from Gaza, a point emphasized by Adalah, a legal rights organization in Israel representing Thunberg and her fellow activists.

They stated that Israel had 'no legal authority' to board the vessel.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition characterized the interception as an act of 'kidnapping', asserting that the crew and their vital supplies—including baby formula and food—were unlawfully confiscated by Israeli forces.

Israeli officials, however, dismissed the endeavor as a mere public relations effort, with a government spokesperson asserting that the flotilla was not providing significant humanitarian aid and highlighted the discrepancy between the aid carried by the flotilla and the aid delivered by Israel.

Israel's blockade of Gaza was intensified following a Hamas-led attack that left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead on October 7, 2023. While certain humanitarian aid resumed under U.S. pressure, the situation on the ground remains dire, with reports indicating a substantial risk of famine among the region's two million residents.

The Madleen’s route included a stop to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean seeking to avoid detention.

In response to the capture of the boat, Thunberg issued a message urging supporters to pressure Swedish authorities for her release.

The incident raises questions around the enforcement of maritime law and humanitarian efforts amidst armed conflict.

Political responses are also emerging, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing outrage over the events, particularly concerning the detention of French nationals aboard the Madleen.

Macron emphasized the importance of consular protection and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated that the passengers were aware of the potential risks associated with their mission, adding that the ministry assessed there was no imminent danger requiring immediate consular support.

Israel maintains that the blockade is essential for national security purposes, citing the need to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons.

Critics argue that the blockade constitutes collective punishment against the Palestinian population in Gaza.

The ongoing military campaign by Israel has reportedly resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to local health authorities, amidst widespread destruction and displacement.

Hamas has stated its conditions for the release of hostages, while Israel has pledged to persist with military operations until all captives are secured and Hamas is diminished.

Efforts for a negotiated truce have faced stagnation, complicating the humanitarian situation further.