Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has reported harsh treatment during her detention by Israeli authorities, according to correspondence seen by the Guardian. The Swedish foreign ministry, in an email to her associates, stated that Thunberg claimed she was held in a cell infested with bedbugs and given insufficient food and water, leading to dehydration and rashes.
Thunberg was among 437 activists detained after Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla, a coalition of over 40 vessels attempting to breach Israel's 16-year maritime blockade of Gaza. The activists are being held at Ketziot prison in the Negev desert, a facility typically used for Palestinian security prisoners.
Allegations have emerged that Thunberg was forced to hold flags while photographs were taken, though the flags' identity remains unknown. Turkish activist Ersin Çelik claimed she was dragged by her hair and forced to kiss the Israeli flag, while journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino said she was wrapped in the Israeli flag and paraded like a trophy. These accounts have been corroborated by other detainees.
Lawyers from the NGO Adalah reported systematic violations of detainees' rights, including denial of water, sanitation, and legal access. The Italian legal team confirmed activists were left without food or water for hours, except for a packet of crisps given to Thunberg for cameras. Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was filmed calling the activists 'terrorists' during a visit to Ashdod port.
This is Thunberg's second arrest in connection with attempts to break the Gaza blockade. The Swedish embassy has visited her in prison, and she has shared details of her treatment with officials. The Israeli authorities have not yet commented on the allegations.
