Activist Claims Inhumane Conditions
Climate activist Greta Thunberg, 22, has claimed she is being held in a bedbug-infested cell with inadequate food and water while in Israeli custody, according to The Guardian.
Thunberg reportedly told Swedish officials she was suffering from dehydration, poor hygiene conditions, and was forced to sit “for long periods on hard surfaces.”
Detained After Gaza Aid Flotilla Intercepted
The Swedish campaigner was among 437 activists aboard the Global Sumud flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week before reaching Gaza.
Many detainees are being held at Ketziot Prison, a high-security facility typically used for Palestinian security prisoners.
Swedish Officials Visit Thunberg
According to The Guardian, Swedish officials confirmed they had visited Thunberg in her cell. Correspondence seen by the outlet described her condition and the poor state of the detention facility.
“The embassy has been able to meet with Greta,” the message reads. “She informed of dehydration. 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.”
Allegations of Harsh Treatment
Officials also documented reports from another detainee who said they saw Thunberg being forced to hold flags while photos were taken. The allegation was reportedly supported by two other freed flotilla members.
Turkish activist Ersin Celik told Anadolu Agency that Israeli personnel “dragged Greta by her hair, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag.”
Eyewitnesses Support Claims
Italian journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino said Thunberg was “wrapped in the Israeli flag and paraded like a trophy.” Malaysian participant Hazwani Helmi added: “They treated us like animals.”
All three activists were released over the weekend and have publicly called for the immediate release of all remaining detainees.
Video Message Before Arrest
Just before Israeli soldiers boarded her boat, Thunberg posted a video message accusing Israel of “war crimes” and calling for accountability.
She described the flotilla mission as an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, where 2.4 million Palestinians live under an Israeli blockade.
Not Thunberg’s First Arrest
This marks the second time this year Thunberg has been detained by Israeli authorities. In a similar incident earlier this year, she was arrested and later deported following another attempt to reach Gaza.
Broader Accusations of Abuse
Human rights organisations have previously raised concerns about Israel’s treatment of detainees. A 2023 Amnesty International report detailed videos allegedly showing Israeli soldiers beating and humiliating Palestinians in custody.
The report accused Israel of “a chilling public display of torture and humiliation” toward prisoners.
Sweden Presses for Access and Medical Care
Sweden’s Foreign Ministry confirmed embassy officials had visited nine Swedish nationals detained in Israel 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,” the ministry said.
Calls for Basic Rights
Swedish diplomats reportedly urged Israeli authorities to ensure all detainees receive adequate food, clean water, and medical care, and are given access to legal counsel.
They also stressed the need to address “individual medical needs” identified during the embassy’s visits.
Israel Denies Allegations
The Israeli embassy dismissed all accusations of mistreatment as “complete lies.”
“All detainees from the Hamas–Sumud provocation were given access to water, food and toilets,” the embassy said. “They were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights, including access to medical care, were fully upheld.”
Israel Defends Its Conduct
The embassy insisted Israel “is and will remain a state governed by the rule of law,” adding that it is committed to upholding human rights in line with international standards.
Israeli officials also maintained that all flotilla participants were treated “according to security protocols.”
International Response Expected
Human rights observers expect growing international pressure following the reports, with Sweden, Turkey, and Malaysia already calling for clarification over the treatment of detainees.
The United Nations has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations.
Wider Context
The Global Sumud flotilla was the largest civilian mission to Gaza in years, aiming to break the blockade and deliver aid amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Israel maintains that the flotilla was organised “in coordination with hostile groups,” a claim denied by activists.
Detentions Continue
More than 300 participants from the flotilla are still believed to be in Israeli custody, with advocacy groups calling for immediate access to independent observers.
Family members of the detainees have demanded proof of their wellbeing and transparent legal proceedings.
Amnesty Calls for Investigation
Amnesty International has urged Israel to allow independent medical and legal access to all detainees, including Thunberg, and to launch a transparent investigation into claims of mistreatment.
The organisation said the allegations “reflect a disturbing pattern consistent with previous reports from detainees in Israeli prisons.”
Thunberg’s Family Yet to Comment
Thunberg’s family and representatives have not yet commented publicly on her reported detention conditions. Swedish media report that her legal team is in communication with embassy officials.
