Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has accused Israeli soldiers of physical and psychological abuse during her five-day detention earlier this month. Thunberg, 22, described being hit, kicked, deprived of water, and threatened while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international mission delivering aid to Gaza.
In an interview with Aftonbladet, Thunberg said she was singled out for particularly harsh treatment. She described being forced to kneel on hot pavement with a flag brushing against her face and being kicked each time she lifted her head. She also said guards stripped and filmed detainees, returned personal belongings defaced with slurs, and chanted Swedish insults.
Conditions at the detention facility worsened as detainees faced extreme heat and lack of water. Thunberg recounted drinking brown toilet water and being threatened with gas. Participants reported fainting and illness due to dehydration, while medications for serious conditions were discarded.
Other Swedish activists confirmed similar treatment. Thunberg criticized the Swedish Foreign Ministry for downplaying the abuse, calling it “harsh treatment.” Families of detainees have filed complaints with the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
The flotilla, which involved 42 boats and over 500 activists, aimed to deliver essential supplies like food, medicine, and infant formula to Gaza. Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, defended the measures, saying the detention aimed to prevent future missions.
Thunberg emphasized her experience reflects broader abuses faced by Palestinians under the blockade and called for international accountability. The incident has sparked global protests and renewed debate on Gaza and activist safety.
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