Greta Thunberg Reportedly Tortured in Israeli Detention

Climate activist Greta Thunberg was allegedly subjected to physical and psychological mistreatment while in Israeli custody after participating in a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza, according to multiple activists and rights groups who were detained alongside her.

The reports — carried by Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and Reuters — describe harsh detention conditions, humiliation, and abuse during Thunberg’s incarceration following the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla by Israeli naval forces in international waters earlier this month.

Allegations of Abuse

Witnesses and fellow detainees allege that Thunberg was dragged by her hair, beaten, and forced to hold or kiss an Israeli flag while being mocked by guards.
Others say she was confined to overcrowded, bedbug-infested cells, denied adequate food and water, and left without access to legal counsel or medical care.

“They treated us like animals,” said one of the activists released over the weekend. “Greta was humiliated and wrapped in an Israeli flag and exhibited like a trophy.”

According to Al Jazeera, detainees were also subjected to sleep deprivation, verbal insults, and psychological pressure. Turkish activist Ayşe Gökçe told local media that Thunberg “was tortured severely” and “kept in distressing conditions” for several hours before being separated from the group.

Israel Denies Allegations

Israeli officials have strongly rejected the claims, calling them “complete lies.”
A spokesperson for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said all detainees “were given food, water, access to restrooms, and the opportunity for legal counsel,” adding that Israel “fully respects international law and human rights.”

The Israeli navy intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla — carrying around 450 international activists from 40 countries — as it attempted to breach the Gaza blockade to deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla included parliamentarians, journalists, and peace advocates.

Deportations and Ongoing Detentions

On October 6, Israeli authorities deported Thunberg and approximately 170 other activists to Greece and Slovakia. However, dozens of participants reportedly remain in custody in southern Israel.
Rights groups are now demanding full transparency and access to medical care for all detainees.

International Reaction

Human rights organizations and several European lawmakers have called for an independent international investigation into the allegations.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has not yet issued a formal statement but confirmed it is “monitoring the situation closely.”

“If these reports are verified, they represent grave violations of international law,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International. “No one — not even a globally recognized activist — should face torture, humiliation, or degrading treatment in state custody.”

Thunberg’s representatives have not released a detailed statement but confirmed she has returned safely to Europe and “is recovering from the experience.”

Background

The Global Sumud Flotilla — named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness” — set sail in late September aiming to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing blockade. The mission was organized by international solidarity groups and included vessels from several European nations.

While Israel maintains the blockade is necessary for security reasons, humanitarian organizations have long argued it constitutes collective punishment of Gaza’s civilian population.

Call for Accountability

Advocates are urging the UN and European Union to demand accountability and ensure the protection of activists engaged in peaceful humanitarian missions.

“The treatment of Greta Thunberg and other flotilla participants must not go unexamined,” said a statement from the Global Human Rights Collective. “An independent, transparent investigation is essential — not only for justice, but for the protection of all future human rights defenders.”

Sources: Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press, Taghrib News, Times of India.