Greta Thunberg Faces Terror Charges in Israel Over Gaza Flotilla

Greta Thunberg onboard her Global Flotilla (image source)

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is facing potential imprisonment in Israel, with authorities reportedly preparing to classify her as a “terrorist” following her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla—a maritime mission aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Thunberg, 22, joined over 200 international activists aboard a fleet of ships departing Barcelona on August 31, 2025, in what organizers call “the largest solidarity mission in history.” The flotilla seeks to “break the illegal siege of Gaza” and deliver food, medicine, and water to Palestinians suffering under what the UN has described as “catastrophic” conditions.

“This story is not about us sailing. It’s about Palestine. It’s about how people are being deliberately deprived of the very basic means to survive,” Thunberg told reporters in Barcelona.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has proposed a controversial plan to detain flotilla participants—including Thunberg—in “terrorist-level conditions” at the notorious Ktzi’ot and Damon detention centrese. The plan includes seizing vessels and converting them into police assets and prolonged custody without access to media or quality meals. It also includes documentation linking activists to “terror groups” via photos and affiliations.

“Following several weeks at Ktzi’ot and Damon, they’ll be sorry about the time they arrived here,” said a source close to Ben-Gvir.

The move has sparked international outrage, with human rights groups warning that criminalizing humanitarian missions sets a dangerous precedent. Thunberg’s participation has drawn support from celebrities like Liam Cunningham and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. European lawmakers have also joined the mission, asserting its legality under international maritime law.

“It is not antisemitic to say that we should not be bombing people,” Thunberg told Sky News, defending her stance.

Israel has intercepted two similar flotillas this year, detaining and deporting activists. The latest mission, however, is larger and more coordinated—raising diplomatic stakes.