Greta Thunberg Allegedly Abused in Israeli Detention During Gaza Aid Flotilla

Greta Thunberg Allegedly Abused in Israeli Detention During Gaza Aid Flotilla

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was allegedly mistreated while detained by Israeli forces during a flotilla mission delivering aid to Gaza, according to fellow activists deported to Turkey. Reports claim Thunberg was dragged by her hair, forced to kiss an Israeli flag, and subjected to harsh conditions, including inadequate food, water, and exposure to bedbug-infested cells.

A total of 137 activists were deported and arrived in Istanbul on Saturday, including 36 Turkish nationals and others from the US, UAE, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan.

Two activists, Hazwani Helmi from Malaysia and American citizen Windfield Beaver, told Reuters that detainees were denied clean food and water, while their belongings and medicines were confiscated. Helmi said, "It was a disaster. They treated us like animals. Greta Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag."

Italian regional councillor Paolo Romano described detainees being forced to kneel face down, beaten for moving, and subjected to both psychological and physical abuse.

The Swedish foreign ministry reportedly confirmed Thunberg experienced dehydration, rashes from bedbugs, and long periods sitting on hard surfaces during detention. Turkish activist Ersin Celik alleged, "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."

Israel denies the allegations, calling them "complete lies" and stating that all detainees were provided food, water, and access to legal counsel. Officials also accused some flotilla members of obstructing deportation procedures.

The flotilla, which set sail in late August 2025, is the latest in a series of missions challenging Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, in place since 2007. The blockade remains a key point of tension amid the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict that escalated after terror attacks by Hamas in October 2023.

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