Greta Thunberg claims she was subjected to harsh treatment while detained in Israel, including being forced to hold flags and kept in a bedbug-infested cell. Find out more about her detention and the accusations surrounding it.
Greta Thunberg, the young climate activist, has made headlines once again—this time due to serious allegations surrounding her detention in Israel. Reports claim that Thunberg was not only kept in a “bedbug-infested cell” but was also allegedly forced to “hold flags” while detained.
Thunberg, known for her efforts to highlight climate change and global injustices, has long been vocal about the suffering in Gaza. Her recent attempts to provide aid to the war-stricken region have sparked both support and controversy. Gaza, which has been under a harsh blockade by Israeli forces, is facing dire humanitarian conditions, including widespread starvation and disease. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), one-third of Gaza’s population is going without food for days, with fears of a “humanitarian catastrophe” looming over the region.
Thunberg has previously tried to enter Gaza to provide humanitarian assistance, as part of the ongoing efforts to alleviate the suffering of the local population. However, her latest attempt has not gone as planned.
The young activist has reported on social media that she was “abducted” by Israeli forces after the boat she was on—part of the Freedom Flotilla—was intercepted by military personnel. In a video shared by Thunberg, she recounts her experience and describes her treatment while in custody.
A report from The Guardian, citing internal correspondence, claims that Thunberg was allegedly forced to hold flags while detained, though the identity of the flags remains unclear. It is further reported that she was kept in a cell “infested with bedbugs,” where she faced inadequate food and water. Thunberg is said to have suffered from dehydration, and she reportedly developed rashes due to the bedbugs. The Swedish foreign ministry also indicated that Thunberg was subjected to harsh conditions, including sitting for long periods on hard surfaces.
The Swedish embassy in Israel received reports from an official who visited Thunberg, confirming that the activist was being treated poorly. One detainee allegedly witnessed Thunberg being forced to hold flags while her pictures were taken. Thunberg herself has expressed concern that images of her might have been shared without her consent.
In response, the Israeli embassy has strongly denied the accusations, labeling them as “complete lies.” They insisted that all detainees, including Thunberg, were provided with food, water, legal counsel, and medical care.
Thunberg, along with other activists, was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla—an initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, consisting of more than 40 boats and nearly 450 activists, was intercepted by Israeli forces in a night-long operation. At least 39 boats were either intercepted or assumed to be intercepted, and dozens of detainees, including Thunberg, former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, were held.
