Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has informed Swedish diplomatic officials that she is experiencing severe conditions while being held by Israeli authorities. According to communications from Sweden’s foreign ministry, Thunberg described being detained in a cell infested with bedbugs and receiving insufficient food and water.
The activist, who was part of an international aid flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, reported developing skin rashes she believes were caused by bedbugs and suffering from dehydration due to inadequate water provisions. She also described being forced to sit for extended periods on hard surfaces.
Another detainee reportedly witnessed Thunberg being compelled to hold unidentified flags while photographs were taken, raising concerns about how these images might be used. The activist expressed uncertainty about whether pictures of her had been distributed.
Thunberg was among hundreds of international activists detained when Israeli forces intercepted the humanitarian flotilla. Most detainees are being held at a high-security prison facility in the Negev desert.
Legal representatives for the flotilla participants have reported systematic violations of detainees’ rights, including denial of adequate food, water, and immediate access to legal counsel. Some lawyers have documented instances of verbal and physical abuse.
During the processing of detainees, Israel’s national security minister was filmed referring to the activists as “terrorists.” The minister has previously advocated for jailing rather than deporting flotilla participants.
This represents the second time Thunberg has been detained in connection with aid flotilla attempts to reach Gaza. The activist declined to sign documents presented by Israeli authorities, expressing concern about not understanding their content.
Legal organizations monitoring the situation note that while Israel maintains records of repeat flotilla participants, activists are typically subjected to short-term detention and deportation rather than criminal prosecution.
