Israel Reportedly Prepares 'Terrorist-Level' Detention for Gaza Flotilla Activists

Barcelona, Spain – Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is reportedly facing imminent arrest and detention under severe conditions as she participates in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. A recent tweet from the prediction market Polymarket stated:

"BREAKING: Greta Thunberg arrest reportedly 'imminent' — 90% chance." This development comes as the "Global Sumud Flotilla" aims to deliver aid and challenge Israel's naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave.

The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona on August 31, 2025, includes Thunberg and other public figures like Irish actor Liam Cunningham and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. Organizers have described it as the "largest solidarity mission" in history, with additional vessels expected to join from various Mediterranean ports. Their stated goal is to provide essential supplies to Gaza residents, where a United Nations report has warned of a "massive famine."

In response to the flotilla, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is reportedly preparing a plan to detain activists, including Thunberg, in "terrorist-level conditions." According to Israeli media reports, this plan would involve holding them in facilities such as Ktzi’ot and Damon detention centers, which typically house convicted militants. Ben-Gvir's proposal also suggests seizing the vessels for future police operations.

This is not Thunberg's first attempt to reach Gaza by sea; she was previously detained and deported by Israeli authorities in June 2025 while aboard the "Madleen" flotilla. Following that incident, she accused Israel of "kidnapping" her in international waters, a claim the Israeli government denied. Thunberg has publicly stated that "it is not anti-Semitic to say that we should not be bombing people, that one should not be living in occupation."

Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, asserting it is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling into the territory. However, human rights organizations and activists argue the blockade exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, particularly amid the ongoing conflict. The potential detention of high-profile activists like Thunberg underscores the escalating tensions surrounding efforts to deliver aid to Gaza.