Claims of abuse surface after Greta Thunberg’s detention during intercepted Gaza aid flotilla

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has accused Israeli security forces of mistreating her during detention after the Global Sumud flotilla, a civilian aid mission to Gaza, was intercepted by Israel’s navy earlier this week.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that Thunberg was allegedly dragged by her hair, shoved, and forced to wear an Israeli flag while in custody.

Activists Hazwani Helmi from Malaysia and Windfield Beaver from the United States said they witnessed Thunberg being roughly handled after refusing to cooperate with what they described as “humiliating treatment.” Turkish activist Ersin Çelik also claimed she was compelled to kiss the Israeli flag under pressure.

The flotilla, which departed from Turkey, was carrying humanitarian aid intended for civilians in Gaza, where a prolonged blockade has restricted supplies for nearly two decades. Israeli naval forces stopped the vessel on October 1, detaining more than 400 activists, lawyers, and parliamentarians.

Those released from custody reported poor prison conditions — including dehydration, inadequate food and water, and insect-infested cells. Thunberg reportedly informed Swedish officials that she suffered rashes, suspected to be from bedbugs, while in detention.

The Swedish foreign ministry confirmed that it had been in touch with Thunberg and other citizens held in Israel, ensuring they had access to consular assistance.

Human rights organization Adalah alleged that detainees were zip-tied, forced to kneel for hours, and denied access to medical care or legal representation.

Several activists claimed they were filmed in degrading positions. Israeli authorities, however, denied all accusations, stating that all detainees were treated “in accordance with Israeli and international law” and were given food, water, and medical attention when needed.

The Global Sumud flotilla was the latest in a series of attempts to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza, imposed since 2007.

The blockade, Israel argues, is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas, though critics and humanitarian groups say it has caused widespread civilian suffering.

Thunberg’s detention has sparked international condemnation and renewed debate over Israel’s handling of humanitarian missions and activists.

Rights organizations and several European lawmakers have urged an independent investigation into the incident, calling it a potential breach of human rights standards.

As of Oct 4, Thunberg and several other foreign nationals have been released, while others remain in custody pending deportation. The Israeli government has not announced whether it will pursue charges against the detained activists.