Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was detained by Israeli authorities on October 1, 2025, during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian aid mission attempting to breach Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza. Thunberg, along with approximately 450 activists from over a dozen countries, was taken into custody by the Israeli navy.
Following her release, Thunberg alleged mistreatment during her detention, claiming she was held in a bedbug-infested cell and denied adequate food and water. She reported developing rashes possibly caused by bedbugs and described the treatment as "harsh and exhausting." These claims were reportedly communicated through correspondence from the Swedish Foreign Ministry and shared with Thunberg's parents.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry swiftly responded, dismissing Thunberg's allegations as "brazen lies." In a statement shared on social media, a spokesperson emphasized that all detainees' legal rights were fully upheld and that Thunberg did not lodge any formal complaints regarding mistreatment. The statement further asserted that the conditions described by Thunberg never occurred.
Court documents from an October 5 hearing before Israel’s Population and Migration Tribunal support the official account, indicating that Thunberg requested deportation to Sweden but did not formally complain about her treatment while in custody.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir characterized the flotilla participants as "supporters of terrorism," stating he was "proud they experienced the same conditions as terrorist detainees."
The flotilla, which departed from Turkey a day earlier, aimed to deliver symbolic humanitarian aid to Gaza. The mission was intercepted by the Israeli navy, leading to the detention of all involved activists
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