Greta Thunberg says world doing too little after release.
Greta Thunberg and other activists were deported Monday while bringing vital food and medical aid to Gaza.
On Monday, October 6, 2025, Greta Thunberg spoke publicly for the first time since being released from Israeli detention, offering a stark critique of the situation in Gaza. Addressing reporters, the 22-year-old activist said that what she and other people of conscience are doing for Gaza is only the bare minimum. Her statement came after days of tension, detention, and deportation, highlighting the challenges faced by international activists seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.
Her words reflected deep frustration not just at the violence itself but at the complicity she sees across global systems. The activist emphasized that governments and media outlets, by failing to take a firm stand, are effectively allowing atrocities to continue unchecked.
Thunberg, who has long been a prominent voice on climate and social justice, made it clear that the focus should not solely be on her personal experiences in detention. While she could recount the mistreatment she and other activists endured at the hands of Israeli authorities, she insisted that such stories are secondary to the larger humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. “This is about the people who are suffering, not about us,” she said, underscoring the seriousness and urgency of the situation.
The incident stemmed from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of 44 boats that set sail from Barcelona on August 31 carrying activists and humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, which included Greta Thunberg and approximately 170 other activists, was intended to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and deliver symbolic food and medical assistance to the population trapped in the besieged territory.
Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters on Wednesday night, October 1, detaining about 470 participants. After several days in detention, Israeli authorities deported Thunberg and the other activists to Greece and Slovakia, effectively preventing them from reaching Gaza.
In response, Israel labeled the flotilla a “PR stunt”, accusing organizers of attempting to spread misinformation and claiming that all participants’ legal rights had been respected. The lies they are spreading are part of their pre-planned fake news campaign,” an Israeli ministry statement said.
Despite Israel’s characterization, Thunberg and fellow activists maintained that their mission was humanitarian, aiming to draw attention to the dire needs of civilians in Gaza. Their convoy carried essential supplies such as medical equipment, food, and water — items that are critically needed in the densely populated and heavily restricted area.
Thunberg’s comments highlight the tension between international activism and state security policies. While governments often frame such interventions as political maneuvers or publicity stunts, activists insist they are acting out of moral responsibility. “It is the duty of every person to end the complicity of governments, media, and institutions in atrocities,” Thunberg said, stressing that ignoring human suffering is no longer an option in an interconnected world.
The flotilla incident has sparked global discussions on Gaza, humanitarian aid, and the role of international activists. For many, Thunberg’s detention and deportation have only reinforced the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis. Her statements serve as both a condemnation of systemic failures and a call to action, urging governments, institutions, and ordinary citizens to confront complicity and advocate for the victims.
While Greta Thunberg’s activism is often associated with climate change, her involvement in Gaza demonstrates a broader commitment to human rights and justice. Her recent experience adds to her growing portfolio of international advocacy, showing that she is willing to put herself at risk to highlight urgent humanitarian issues.
For now, Thunberg and the other deported activists are back in Europe, but the conversation they ignited continues. The plight of Gaza remains critical, and Thunberg’s words remind the world that humanity cannot stand by in silence. Her plea is simple yet powerful: doing the bare minimum is not enough — action, accountability, and compassion are imperative.