Greta Thunberg Alleges Torture During Detention in Israeli Prison After Gaza Flotilla Arrest

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has accused Israeli authorities of torturing detainees, including herself, after being arrested during the Global Sumud Flotilla mission to Gaza. Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, Thunberg said she and fellow activists were “kidnapped and tortured” by the Israeli military following their attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Thunberg, who was detained along with 478 other activists, said she was deprived of clean water, while others were denied access to necessary medications. She refused to go into detail, explaining she didn’t want media coverage to focus on her personal experience but rather on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where the United Nations reports widespread hunger and displacement.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry denied all allegations, stating that detainees were provided with food, water, and restroom access, and that all legal rights were upheld. A spokesperson called claims of mistreatment “false and politically motivated,” reiterating that all actions were conducted under international law.

Thunberg and other flotilla members criticized the Swedish government for failing to provide sufficient support during their detention. In response, Sweden’s Foreign Ministry said it had consistently warned citizens against traveling to Gaza but had still offered consular assistance and reminded Israel to treat Swedish nationals appropriately.

Israel has dismissed the Gaza aid flotilla as a publicity stunt aimed at benefiting Hamas, maintaining that reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated. This marks Thunberg’s second detention attempt to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza, following a similar incident in June.

The 22-year-old activist’s allegations have drawn international attention, reigniting debates over Israel’s blockade policies and the treatment of humanitarian activists.