One of the bigger headlines this weekend outside of our own politics was the arrest of activist Greta Thunberg.
According to reports, Thunberg was aboard a flotilla that was allegedly carrying aid to Gaza, but Israeli officials said there was no aid on board.
Now, after she raised several issues regarding the conditions of her confinement, Israeli officials have announced that Thunberg will be deported to Sweden.
Thunberg, as I am sure most of you know, made a name for herself as a teenage climate activist, and she has continued her quest for fame into her 20s. Apparently, you can provide a good living for yourself as a professional protester… who knew?!
This weekend, Israeli officials announced that hundreds of activists had been arrested, including Thunberg, all of whom were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).
There were, of course, cries that Israel was overly aggressive in its actions, reportedly using water cannons during the interception of the flotilla. For instance, Colombian President Gustava Petro expelled Israeli diplomats after such reports hit the news wire.
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, however, was critical of Thunberg's venture, stating, "I continue to believe that all this brings no benefit to the Palestinian people."
As one would expect, Thunberg has been complaining about the conditions of her arrest, ever the martyr.
A letter Thunberg wrote to her parents described "harsh and exhausting" treatment, and she also complained about having experienced dehydration.
Israel says her complaints are all lies, responding, “The claims regarding the mistreatment of Greta Thunberg and other detainees from the Hamas–Sumud flotilla are brazen lies. All the detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld.”
The statement continued, “Interestingly enough, Greta herself and other detainees refused to expedite their deportation and insisted on prolonging their stay in custody. Greta also did not complain to the Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations -- because they never occurred.”
Israel has apparently had enough of Thunberg at this point, announcing that she would be among the first wave of those arrested set for deportation, and she would be headed for Sweden, her native country.
The Times of Israel reported, “Swedish activist Greta Thunberg will be among more than 70 people of different nationalities to leave Israel on Monday after they were seized aboard an intercepted Gaza aid flotilla.”
The report continued, “Most, if not all, those being released from Israeli detention will be flown to Greece, where they will be able to get flights to their home countries, their respective governments said on Sunday.”
This, to me, is nothing more than Thunberg grabbing some headlines and playing the martyr. As Thunberg has gotten older, she has become quite the drama queen, always portraying herself as a victim to keep her profile relevant. She was a gimmick as a teenage activist, but that novelty has clearly worn off; now she is yesterday’s news, insisting on using dramatics to stay in the headlines. Maybe, with a little luck, she will stay in Sweden this time.
