Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg (picture center) was deported from Israel after being detained aboard the Gaza-bound ship Madleen, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The vessel, carrying symbolic humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces before reaching Gaza.

Thunberg, along with two other activists and a journalist, chose to leave the country voluntarily, said Adalah, the legal group representing them. Others on board rejected deportation and remain in Israeli detention pending legal review.

Meanwhile, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that five French citizens from the same vessel may also face expulsion. The Madleen aimed to break the blockade held by Israel in Gaza amid ongoing conflict, with 12 people on board in total.