Beaten, tortured, and humiliated—these are the shocking allegations surrounding the detention of 22-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg in Israel. Her arrest after joining a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla has ignited global outrage, with disturbing accounts now surfacing from witnesses and rights groups. Thunberg was reportedly among more than 400 activists detained by the Israeli navy on 1 October 2025. As the world demands answers, serious questions are being asked about her treatment, and that of her fellow activists, inside Israeli detention centres.
Why Greta Thunberg Was in Israel
The Swedish activist had joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission organised by international rights groups to deliver vital humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona in late August, was a direct challenge to the ongoing blockade, aiming to cast a global spotlight on what participants described as a 'man-made humanitarian crisis' in the enclave.
On 1 October, however, the Israeli navy intercepted the flotilla in international waters, detaining hundreds of participants. Israeli officials defended the action, stating it was necessary to maintain the naval blockade imposed on Gaza, which they argue is an essential measure for national security.
Disturbing Allegations From Detention
Since the detentions, harrowing reports from humanitarian organisations and fellow detainees allege that Thunberg and others endured harsh and degrading treatment. Claims include beatings during interrogation, being forced to sit on hard surfaces for extended periods, and being given limited access to food and water. Several activists reported sleeping in squalid, bedbug-infested cells with poor sanitation.
As reported by Al Jazeera, Turkish activist Ersin Celik gave a particularly disturbing account, stating he witnessed Israeli forces 'torture Greta Thunberg'. He claimed she was 'dragged on the ground' and 'forced to kiss the Israeli flag' while in detention.
Other witnesses alleged that activists were forced to pose with Israeli flags and were denied access to legal representation for several days. These accounts, though not yet independently verified, have been described by rights advocates as 'deeply concerning' and in potential violation of international human rights law.
Israel's Official Response
Israeli authorities have strongly denied the allegations of abuse. A statement from Israel's Foreign Ministry asserted that all detainees are being treated humanely and that 'Greta and her friends are safe and healthy' as they are transferred to Israeli ports.
Already several vessels of the Hamas-Sumud flotilla have been safely stopped and their passengers are being transferred to an Israeli port.
— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 1, 2025
Greta and her friends are safe and healthy. pic.twitter.com/PA1ezier9s
Officials also defended the legality of the interception, describing it as a necessary action to prevent unauthorised entry into a restricted zone. Some Israeli ministers went further, labelling the activists as 'agitators' and 'supporters of hostile entities'.
No official evidence has yet been released to substantiate or counter the claims of mistreatment, and calls are growing for independent monitors to verify the conditions in Israeli detention facilities.
Global Reaction and Diplomatic Pressure
The incident has triggered a swift and forceful global reaction. According to The Guardian, the Swedish embassy in Tel Aviv has emphasised that all detainees must be given immediate access to legal counsel. Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs has also formally conveyed to Israeli authorities the critical importance of ensuring the safety and consular rights of its citizens.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for a full investigation into the treatment of the foreign detainees. Meanwhile, social media has erupted with global campaigns demanding Thunberg's release and condemning the alleged abuse, with public figures across Europe and the United States voicing their solidarity.
The World Watches: What Comes Next?
Reports suggest Thunberg may be among a group of foreign detainees facing deportation in the coming days. Legal teams representing the activists are preparing to file formal complaints, while UN human rights experts have been urged to review the serious allegations.
As international scrutiny intensifies, the case has reignited a fierce debate over Israel's treatment of humanitarian activists and its broader policies toward Gaza. With claims of beatings and torture drawing widespread condemnation, the world is watching closely.
