Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has claimed that she and other detainees from the Gaza flotilla were mistreated while held in an Israeli prison. Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, Thunberg alleges torture and described the group’s treatment as inhumane following their arrest by Israeli forces.
Thunberg stated that she and others were “kidnapped and tortured” by the Israeli military after being detained while attempting to reach Gaza with humanitarian aid. However, she refused to give detailed accounts of the alleged abuse, saying she did not want the focus to shift toward her personal experience. “I don’t want the story to be that Greta has been tortured,” she said, emphasizing that the suffering of people in Gaza was far worse.
When pressed by reporters, Thunberg alleges torture by explaining that detainees were denied clean water and some were refused access to vital medication. She noted that her experience should be viewed within the broader context of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Israel’s foreign ministry has denied the allegations, stating that all detainees were treated according to international standards. “All detainees were given water, food, and access to restrooms. Their legal rights were fully upheld,” a ministry spokesperson told Reuters. The ministry has repeatedly rejected claims of mistreatment by its security forces.
Thunberg was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission aimed at delivering aid to Gaza and drawing international attention to the worsening humanitarian situation there. The activist was detained along with 478 others before being expelled from Israel on Monday.
According to Israeli authorities, the flotilla’s mission was a political act meant to support Palestinian militant group Hamas. Thunberg alleges torture to highlight what she describes as Israel’s harsh treatment of peaceful activists. Meanwhile, Swedish officials confirmed they provided consular support but reiterated their warning against traveling to Gaza.
In other news read more about: ICC Issues Arrest Warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu Over Alleged Gaza War Crimes
