Greta Thunberg and 170 others are deported by Israel as Gaza negotiations begin in Egypt
Greta Thunberg and 170 other people arrested over a Gaza aid flotilla were sent back to Sweden by Israel as talks between Hamas and Egypt’s government began.
Sweden’s Greta Thunberg and 170 other people who were detained after Israeli forces stopped a flotilla last week trying to bring help to Gaza have been sent back to Sweden. The group, which included people working for peace around the world, was arrested after their ships were stopped in what Israel called a “security operation” to stop unauthorized shipments into the blockaded area.
A statement from Israel’s interior ministry early Monday morning revealed that the activists had been sent back to their home countries after being questioned. Those who organized the flotilla said it was part of a humanitarian effort to break the blockade on Gaza and bring in much-needed supplies.
At the same time, talks between Israel and Hamas are set to start today in Egypt. International officials are working hard to move Donald Trump’s plan for peace in Gaza forward.
The Red Cross said that as part of any deal that was made, it would help get the prisoners back and aid into the enclave.
Israel’s reporter in Gaza said that preliminary talks started at 10:00 local time (08:00 BST), but the key groups haven’t met yet. Hugo Bachega, a Middle East correspondent, wrote, “There is huge momentum, but no guarantee of a deal.” This shows how uncertain the current diplomatic attempts are.
Reports say that Hamas has agreed to some of the terms spelled out in the US-led plan, but not all of them. Trump told the press on Sunday, “I’ve been told that the first phase should be finished this week.”
Even though there was a political push, Israel has continued to attack Gaza from the air. 24 Palestinians have been killed in the last 24 hours, according to the territory’s civil defense office. This shows how unstable things are on the ground as talks begin.
