Bedbug-infested cell, insufficient food: Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of harsh treatment during detention

While Israel has not commented on the new allegations the foreign ministry earlier described reports that detainees were mistreated as "complete lies".

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg claimed she faced harsh treatment while in Israeli custody following her arrest during a flotilla bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The 22-year-old told Swedish officials that she suffered dehydration, lack of food, and unsanitary conditions during her detention, major international publications reported. Some 137 activists detained by Israel for taking part in a flotilla seeking to deliver aid to Gaza arrived in Turkey on Saturday after being deported.

Among the activists who arrived in Turkey, two alleged that Thunberg was mistreated during their detention. Hazwani Helmi, a Malaysian citizen, and Windfield Beaver, an American citizen, told Reuters that Thunberg had been mistreated by Israeli troops.

Turkish journalist and Gaza Sumud Flotilla participant Ersin Celik told local media outlets he witnessed Israeli forces “torture Greta Thunberg,” describing how she was “dragged on the ground” and “forced to kiss the Israeli flag.”

Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino, who had been on the flotilla, also cited the treatment of Thunberg. “Greta Thunberg, a brave woman, is only 22 years old. She was humiliated and wrapped in an Israeli flag and exhibited like a trophy,” he told international media.

While Israel has not commented on the new allegations the foreign ministry earlier described reports that detainees were mistreated as "complete lies".

The flotilla, which set sail in late August, marked the latest attempt by activists to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, where Israel has been waging a war since Palestinian militant group Hamas' deadly attack on Israel in October 2023. Israeli officials repeatedly denounced the mission as a stunt and warned it against violating a "lawful naval blockade".

Israel has faced mounting condemnation for the raid on the flotilla, which saw its navy intercept approximately 40 boats carrying aid to Gaza and detain more than 450 people on board.