Swedish climate and social activist Greta Thunberg stated on Tuesday that she and her fellow pro-Palestinian activists were kidnapped in international waters and taken against their will to Israel, after which they were deported. Thunberg refused to sign a document in which she would acknowledge that she had entered the country illegally.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport after the deportation, Thunberg (22) emphasized that her team had not broken any law and called for the immediate release of activists still held in Israeli custody.
“I was very clear in my testimony: we were kidnapped in international waters and taken against our will to Israel,” said Thunberg.
Responding with laughter to criticism from the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump, who described her as an “angry person,” she said:
“I think the world actually needs many more young angry women, especially considering everything that is happening right now,” she said.
Thunberg arrived in Paris a day after the Israeli navy prevented her and a group of pro-Palestinian activists from reaching Gaza by boat.
Israeli forces early Monday morning stopped the humanitarian ship as it approached Gaza, attempting to break the years-long naval blockade, and detained all 12 crew members, including Thunberg.
She dismissed claims that their aid delivery mission to Gaza was a propaganda move, pointing out that a previous attempt with a larger vessel had been halted after the boat was bombed. She added that she now desperately needed a shower and sleep.
When asked by reporters where she would go now, Thunberg said she had not yet decided, but that it might be Sweden.
