Greta Thunberg Reports Dehydration, Rashes, and Alleged Mistreatment During Detention in Israel
TEL AVIV - Climate activist Greta Thunberg has reported experiencing dehydration, developing rashes, and alleged mistreatment while detained by Israeli forces following the interception of the Global Sumud flotilla attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, Swedish diplomacy reported Saturday, October 5, 2025.
Thunberg was among 437 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers participating in the flotilla - a coalition of over 40 ships carrying humanitarian aid – when Israeli forces intercepted the vessels. Hundreds were arrested and are awaiting expulsion. 137 activists from thirteen countries, including Thunberg, were scheduled to fly to Istanbul on Saturday.
According to reports from Swedish officials, Thunberg stated she did not receive sufficient water or food during her detention. She also suspects rashes she developed were caused by bedbugs. “She insisted that food and drinking water should be provided instantly and that all prisoners must have access to an Israeli lawyer if they wish,” Swedish diplomacy relayed.
Further allegations of mistreatment have surfaced. Another detainee reported Israeli soldiers took photographs of Thunberg allegedly forcing her to brandish flags.Turkish activist Ersin çelik, also participating in the Sumud flotilla, told the Anadolu press agency, ”They dragged the little Greta with the hair before our eyes, beat her and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything we can imagine, to serve as a warning to others.”
On Friday,representatives of the Sweden Embassy in Tel Aviv were authorized to visit nine Swedish citizens detained in Ketziot prison,located in the Negev desert. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released the identities of the othre detainees.
Sweden has formally requested Israel provide the detained Swedes with drinking water, food, and medical treatment without delay.
Israel has maintained a sea blockade of Gaza for 16 years, citing security concerns.The Global Sumud flotilla aimed to challenge this blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the region.
