Liputan6.com, Jakarta Prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg reportedly suffered ill-treatment by Israeli forces in early October 2025.
This incident occurred after her detention during an operation to intercept a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
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As reported by Al Jazeera, Thunberg was one of approximately 450 international activists detained when Israel intercepted the "Global Sumud Flotilla," a fleet of approximately 40 ships attempting to deliver vital aid to the needy residents of Gaza.
Allegations of ill-treatment surfaced after several deported activists testified.
Greta Thunberg herself complained to Swedish officials about the harsh conditions of her detention.
Gaza Humanitarian Aid Flotilla Intercepted
On October 2-3, 2025, Israeli forces launched an interception operation against the "Global Sumud Flotilla."
The flotilla was carrying humanitarian aid and sailing towards the besieged Gaza Strip.
In this operation, all vessels were successfully intercepted and all crew members, including Greta Thunberg, were detained.
A total of approximately 450 activists from various countries were part of this humanitarian mission.
The Israeli government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the activists, including Greta Thunberg, were "safe and sound" following their detention.
They also released a video showing Thunberg on board a ship near an Israeli naval vessel.
The statement emphasized that the deportation process would begin immediately and that all passengers were in good condition.
However, reports from the released activists later told a different story.
Allegations of Mistreatment Against Greta Thunberg
Several international activists deported from Israel have accused Israeli forces of mistreating Greta Thunberg.
These allegations are also supported by Thunberg's own reports to Swedish officials about the harsh treatment she received.
Thunberg claimed to have been held in a cell infested with bedbugs and deprived of food and clean water.
She also suffered from dehydration and skin rashes, which were strongly suspected to be caused by insect bites in her detention.
In fact, Malaysian activist Hazwani Helmi and American participant Windfield Beaver gave similar statements at Istanbul Airport, accusing Thunberg of being pushed and paraded with an Israeli flag.
They alleged that Thunberg was dragged, beaten, and even forced to kiss the Israeli flag.
“It was a disaster. They treated us like animals,” Helmi said, adding that detainees were denied food, clean water, and medication.
Activist Windfield Beaver also stated that Thunberg was "treated terribly" and "used as propaganda."
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 Anadolu.
Israel's Firm Denial
Adalah, an Israeli human rights group that provides legal aid, said that detainees reported being forced to kneel with their hands tied with cables for hours, being denied medication, and being prevented from speaking to lawyers.
In response to these serious allegations, Israel denied all claims of mistreatment, calling the reports "total lies" and baseless.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that all detainees, including Greta Thunberg, are safe and sound.
“All of Adalah’s claims are complete lies. Of course, all detainees … were given access to water, food, and restrooms; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights were fully upheld,” a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson told the news agency Reuters.