GAZA — Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists aboard the Gaza-bound aid boat Madleen are being deported by Israel after their vessel was intercepted in international waters and towed to Ashdod.

The group, carrying food and supplies from Italy, was detained Monday and has since been taken to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Activists refusing deportation must appear before a judge, Israel said.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition confirmed all were in Israeli custody and may be sent home by tonight. Two detained journalists — from Al Jazeera and Blast — sparked condemnation from media rights groups.

Global criticism followed the seizure, with Turkey and Iran labeling it an act of piracy. France’s President Macron demanded the release of six French nationals on board.

The interception comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid shortages persist and civilian deaths continue to rise.