Greta Thunberg Alleges Mistreatment During Israeli Detention After Gaza Flotilla Interception

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg has alleged mistreatment while detained by Israeli authorities following her interception during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza. According to correspondence from the Swedish foreign ministry obtained by The Guardian, Thunberg informed embassy officials that she was kept in a bedbug-infested cell, given insufficient food and water, and suffered dehydration and rashes likely caused by bedbugs. She also reported being forced to pose for photographs while holding unidentified flags.

Fellow activists and lawyers supporting the detainees claimed the flotilla campaigners faced harsh conditions including limited food, denied medication, and restricted access to clean water. U.S. activist Windfield Beaver described Thunberg’s treatment as “terrible” and alleged she was “used as propaganda.” Journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino added that Thunberg was reportedly wrapped in an Israeli flag and displayed like a trophy.

Israeli officials categorically denied these allegations, labeling them “complete lies.” The Israeli embassy stated that all detainees were provided access to food, water, medical care, legal counsel, and restroom facilities, insisting that their legal rights were fully respected.

Thunberg was detained along with over 400 other activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers aboard more than 40 vessels attempting to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The flotilla was intercepted in international waters and the detainees held at Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert before deportation.

Thunberg and others were deported to Greece on October 6.