Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg has alleged that Israeli authorities subjected her and other detainees from the Gaza flotilla to harsh treatment, including denial of clean water and critical medication. Pro-Palestinian witnesses claimed she was ‘dragged on the ground’ and forced to kiss the Israeli flag, according to reports. The Global Sumud Flotilla, an initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and protesting Israel’s naval blockade, set sail in late September. Organized by pro-Palestinian groups, the flotilla carried food and medical supplies, but was intercepted by Israeli forces on October 3, leading to the detention of hundreds of activists, including Thunberg.
Israeli authorities called the move a legal security action, stating the detainees were treated in accordance with legal standards. Thunberg, speaking at a press conference in Stockholm following her deportation, claimed that she and others were ‘kidnapped and tortured,’ though she declined to elaborate, stating that the treatment they endured was minor compared to the daily hardships faced by people in Gaza. Turkish journalist and flotilla participant Ersin Celik earlier alleged that he witnessed Israeli forces ‘torture Greta Thunberg,’ with her being ‘dragged on the ground’ and ‘forced to kiss the Israeli flag.’ Thunberg made no mention of these allegations at the press conference.
The Israeli government has denied the torture claims, asserting that detainees received food, water, restrooms, access to medical assistance, and legal counsel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry previously referred to the flotilla as a ‘selfie yacht of celebrities,’ arguing it was more focused on generating publicity than delivering aid. Following the detention, Thunberg and 170 other activists were deported to Greece and Slovakia. Several participants have since alleged that they were beaten, deprived of sleep, and denied medical care during their time in Israeli custody. These allegations have sparked international debate over the treatment of activists and the legality of Israel’s actions in enforcing its naval blockade of Gaza.