With emotional scenes and the victory sign raised high, 27 Greek activists who took part in the “Global Sumud Flotilla” to Gaza returned to Athens on Monday afternoon, following their detention by Israeli authorities.
The Greeks, along with hundreds of other international participants, had joined the humanitarian mission to deliver aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
The Aegean Airlines charter flight 4979, which departed from Eilat-Ramon in Israel at 2:47pm, carried the repatriated Greek citizens as well as 134 passengers from 15 European countries, including renowned Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The plane landed at Athens’ “Eleftherios Venizelos” Airport shortly after 5pm, where a cheering crowd gathered to welcome the returnees with applause, flowers, and messages of peace.
Visibly moved, the 27 Greeks raised their hands in a victory sign, sending a message of solidarity with the people of Gaza, declaring that “the struggle for justice and peace continues.”
In an official statement, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the safe return of the citizens:
“With the care of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv, a special repatriation flight safely arrived in Athens carrying the 27 Greek citizens who participated in the ‘Global Sumud Flotilla’. The same flight also facilitated the transport of 134 citizens from 15 European countries.”
The presence of Greta Thunberg on the same flight gave the mission global significance. The young activist, who condemned what she described as a genocide in Gaza, spoke of “unspeakable cruelty” against innocent civilians. Upon arrival, she was warmly welcomed, raising her fist in a gesture of defiance and hope.
The return of the Greek activists marks the end of a challenging mission, but also the beginning of renewed mobilization in support of humanitarian values and peace in the Middle East.
