Malta’s Claire Borg Among Gaza Flotilla Activists Deported from Israel

In the early hours of Tuesday, a group of activists, including Maltese national, Claire Borg, stepped off a plane in Istanbul, Turkey. They were among the first of the ‘Freedom Flotilla’ activists to be deported from Israel after their attempt to break the Gaza blockade. The scene at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport was a stark contrast to the one they had left behind in Israel – a scene of tension, detention, and eventual deportation.

Claire Borg, a 32-year-old Maltese woman, had set sail from Malta on the ‘Zaytouna-Oliva’, a small fishing boat, along with other activists from around the world. Their mission? To deliver aid and challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. The journey was a test of their resolve, navigating rough seas and harsh weather conditions. But it was nothing compared to what awaited them in Israeli waters.

On Monday, the Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla, boarding the ships and detaining the activists. The operation was swift and decisive, but it was far from peaceful. Videos emerged showing Israeli soldiers using force to detain activists, including Claire, who was seen being dragged away by soldiers.

The activists were taken to Israel’s Givon Prison, where they were held for several days before being deported. Among them was Claire Borg, who, despite her ordeal, remained defiant. “We came in peace, but we were met with violence,” she said in a brief phone call from Israel. “But we won’t be silenced. We’ll keep fighting for Gaza’s right to freedom and dignity.”

Claire and the other activists were eventually deported, their passports stamped with a ban from Israel for the next ten years. But they left with more than just a ban – they left with a story of defiance, a story that has resonated around the world.

Back in Malta, Claire’s family and friends are proud of her actions. “She’s always been passionate about justice and human rights,” said her brother, Mark Borg, speaking from the family’s home in Birkirkara. “We’re worried about her, of course, but we’re also incredibly proud.”

The activists, now scattered across the globe, are regrouping and planning their next move. For Claire and the others, the struggle for Gaza’s freedom is far from over. “We’ll continue to raise awareness, to pressure our governments to take action,” Claire said. “We won’t stop until Gaza is free.”

As for the ‘Zaytouna-Oliva’, it remains in Israeli custody. But the activists are already planning to rebuild, to sail again. Their journey may have been halted, but their mission is far from over.