Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg claimed she faced harsh treatment while in Israeli custody following her arrest during a flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The 22-year-old told Swedish officials that she suffered dehydration, lack of food, and unsanitary conditions during her detention, the Guardian reported.
Greta Thunberg alleges mistreatment after Gaza aid Flotilla detention
“The embassy has been able to meet with Greta,” reads the email sent by the Swedish foreign ministry, obtained by the Guardian. “She reported dehydration and said she has received insufficient amounts of both water and food. She also stated that she had developed rashes, which she suspects were caused by bedbugs. She described harsh treatment and said she had been sitting for long periods on hard surfaces.”
Another detainee reportedly said Thunberg was made to hold flags while photographs were taken. The flags’ identities remain unclear. Thunberg reportedly asked whether images of her had been shared publicly.
Witnesses aboard the flotilla, including Turkish activist Ersin Çelik described the shocking scenes at the detention centre. “They dragged little Greta by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others,” Ersin said. Journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino added that Thunberg was “wrapped in the Israeli flag and paraded like a trophy,” as fellow activists watched in disbelief.
According to Swedish officials, Thunberg was asked by Israeli authorities to sign a document during her detention. “She was unsure about what the document meant and did not want to sign anything she did not understand,” the email from the Swedish foreign ministry stated.
Israel responds, calls allegations “complete lies”
The Swedish embassy in Tel Aviv visited nine Swedes held in detention on Friday. “The Swedish embassy in Tel Aviv remains in contact with Israeli authorities to stress the importance of swift processing and the possibility of returning home to Sweden,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the Israeli embassy rejected the claims, calling them “complete lies.” It said all detainees involved in the flotilla had access to food, water, toilets, medical care, and legal counsel. “Israel is and will remain a state governed by the rule of law, committed to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals according to international standards,” the embassy added.
Flotilla intercepted, detainees held in high-security prison
Thunberg was part of the Global Sumud flotilla, a coalition of 40+ vessels carrying aid to Gaza. The move aimed to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade. Between Thursday and Friday, Israeli forces intercepted all ships and detained every crew member. Most are being held at Ketziot prison in the Negev desert, primarily used for Palestinian security detainees.
Legal teams representing the flotilla say the detainees were denied basic rights, including food, water, sanitation, medication, and immediate access to legal counsel. Thunberg was reportedly given only “a packet of crisps shown to the cameras.” During a visit to Ashdod port, Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was filmed calling activists “terrorists” while they were ordered to sit on the ground. Some protesters responded by shouting “Free Palestine.”