Israel says it intercepted the 'selfie yacht' peacefully, offering snacks and water; activists claim abduction while tossing phones into the sea

Israel says it enforced a lawful blockade in the international waters where it seized a flotilla carrying aid and activists bound for Gaza. But the seizure likely violates international laws.

Greta Thunberg was on a flight to France en route home to Sweden after being deported from Israel a day after the Gaza-bound aid yacht she was on board was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters.

Israel said climate advocate Greta Thunberg has left the country on a flight to Sweden after the military intercepted an aid ship she was sailing on toward Gaza, where humanitarian agencies say a hunger crisis is unfolding.

The Madleen, launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, is one of several Gaza-bound vessels intercepted by Israel.

Thunberg was one of 12 passengers on board the boat carrying aid destined for people in Gaza. The activists said they were protesting the war and the humanitarian crisis amid Israeli restrictions on aid.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel deported activist Greta Thunberg on Tuesday, a day after the Gaza-bound ship she was on was seized by the Israeli military.

The group is carrying supplies for Gazan Palestinians and protesting what they say is “Israel’s “illegal, decades-long blockade, and ongoing genocide” in the enclave.