Greta Thunberg Allegedly Mistreated During Detention After Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception
Activists who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, have alleged that Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist, was mistreated during her detention by Israeli forces. The flotilla, intercepted in late September 2025, led to the arrest of hundreds of activists from various countries. Allegations include harsh treatment, denial of basic necessities, and forced acts of humiliation. Thunberg was reportedly held alongside other detainees in unsanitary conditions.
Allegations of Mistreatment
Several activists have come forward with accounts detailing the alleged mistreatment of Greta Thunberg while in Israeli custody. Hazwani Helmi, a Malaysian singer and activist, claimed to have witnessed Thunberg being "shoved and paraded with an Israeli flag." Ersin Celik, a Turkish journalist, alleged that Thunberg was "dragged by her hair" and "forced to kiss the Israeli flag."
Windfield Beaver, an American volunteer, alleged that Thunberg was "used as propaganda" and was ushered into a room when National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived. Lorenzo D'Agostino, an Italian journalist, claimed Thunberg was "wrapped in the Israeli flag and exhibited like a trophy." Other activists detailed being placed in "terrorist prison cells," forced to drink toilet water, and denied medication.
Greta Thunberg's Account and Swedish Official's Confirmation
According to a report by The Guardian, Greta Thunberg reportedly admitted to harsh treatment in Israeli custody. A Swedish foreign ministry official who visited her stated that she was held in a cell infested with bedbugs and given insufficient food and water. The official added that Thunberg reported dehydration and rashes, and another detainee claimed to have seen her being forced to hold flags while pictures were taken.
Israel's Response and Conflicting Accounts
Israel's Foreign Ministry has denied the allegations of mistreatment, describing them as "complete lies". A spokesperson stated that all detainees were given access to water, food, restrooms, and legal counsel, and that no physical force was used against them. However, these claims contradict the accounts provided by numerous activists and the information shared by the Swedish foreign ministry official. Itamar Ben-Gvir has stated he was "proud" of the treatment of the activists.
Adalah, an Israeli legal center representing the activists, reported that some detainees alleged abuse and physical violence, denial of medical treatment, and in one case, a Muslim woman was allegedly forced to remove her hijab. These allegations further contribute to the conflicting narratives surrounding the treatment of the Gaza flotilla activists.
International Reactions and Calls for Investigation
The allegations of mistreatment have drawn international criticism, with countries like Pakistan, Turkiye, and Colombia condemning Israel's actions. New Zealand's Green Party called on its government to sanction Israel. Chlöe Swarbrick, co-leader of the party, stated that the government has a legal obligation to prevent genocide. Human rights organizations have called for an international inquiry into the alleged abuses. The incident has heightened tensions and further eroded Israel's international standing.
The Gaza Blockade and the Flotilla's Mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla aimed to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since 2007. Organizers intended to deliver humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, to the Palestinian enclave. The mission was intercepted by Israeli forces approximately 70 nautical miles from Gaza, leading to the arrest of over 450 participants. The blockade remains a contentious issue, with critics arguing it has created a humanitarian crisis and restricts the movement of people and goods into the territory.
Arturo Scotto, an Italian lawmaker who participated in the mission, stated, "Those who were acting legally were the people aboard those boats; those who acted illegally were those who prevented them from reaching Gaza".
Details from Released Activists and Diplomatic Correspondence
Released activists described dire conditions, with claims of dehydration, lack of proper food, and medical deprivation. Hazwani Helmi reported drinking from toilet water. Italian journalist Saverio Tommasi described the detained activists being treated "like monkeys." Swedish officials confirmed that Greta Thunberg reported dehydration and rashes she attributed to bedbugs and being forced to sit for prolonged periods on hard surfaces.
Legal aid group Adalah stated that some detainees were denied access to lawyers, water, medications, and toilets, and were forced to kneel with their hands zip-tied for hours.
