Climate activist Greta Thunberg has claimed she was “hit and kicked” by Israeli guards while being detained earlier this month following her participation in a Gaza aid flotilla.
The 22-year-old Swedish campaigner also alleged that she and other detainees were denied water and subjected to humiliating treatment while in Israeli custody; accusations that Israeli officials have dismissed as “ludicrous and baseless.”
Thunberg’s account of her detention
Thunberg was detained in early October after joining a fleet of more than 40 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza, in violation of Israel’s long-standing naval blockade.
The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces, and its passengers (including Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, and several European politicians) were taken into custody.
In an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Thunberg described being held in extreme heat and witnessing other detainees restrained on the ground.
“They dragged me to the opposite side from where the others were sitting,” she said.
“They hit and kicked me. There’s a lot I don’t remember; you’re in shock, you’re in pain, but you try to stay calm.”
Thunberg also claimed Israeli guards wrote slurs and drew crude symbols, including a Star of David, on her luggage. She alleged that officers mocked her while drinking from water bottles as she “begged” for water in 40°C heat.
Israeli authorities reject allegations
Israeli officials have strongly denied Thunberg’s account. In a statement to The Telegraph, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said: “All of her legal rights were fully upheld.
Interestingly enough, Greta herself refused to expedite her deportation and insisted on prolonging her stay in custody.
She also never lodged any complaint with the Israeli authorities regarding these ludicrous and baseless allegations, because they simply never happened.”
The ministry emphasized that Thunberg was treated in accordance with international law and was safely deported on October 6.
Thunberg describes “dystopian” conditions
According to Thunberg, detainees were confined in metal cages, forced to stand during the night, and threatened with gas.
“When people fainted, we banged on the cages and asked for a doctor,” she said.
“The guards came and said: ‘We’re going to gas you.’ They held up a gas cylinder and threatened to press it against us.”
Thunberg added that guards regularly disrupted their sleep by shaking cell bars and shining flashlights.
The Gaza Aid Flotilla and blockade warnings
The flotilla, which set sail in August 2025, carried more than 500 activists and humanitarian supplies.
Before intercepting the vessels, the Israeli Navy reportedly issued radio warnings advising the ships to turn back, warning participants they were approaching “an active warzone.”
When the ships continued, Israeli forces boarded them and detained those on board.
Thunberg and other activists were later deported.
The incident has deepened the divide between Israel’s supporters and critics, with some praising Thunberg for her activism and others accusing her of promoting misinformation.