Saturday, March 29, 2025
Serious allegations have emerged against Israeli authorities over their treatment of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was detained alongside more than 130 international campaigners while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
According to fellow activists who have since been deported, Thunberg was “treated like an animal” during her detention. They claim she was dragged by her hair, insulted, and forced to kiss the Israeli flag against her will.
Malaysian activists Hajwani Helmi and Windfield Beaver said that Israeli forces pushed Thunberg, forcibly wrapped her in an Israeli flag, and accused her of “acting like a terrorist.” They described the conduct as deeply humiliating and abusive.
Another activist, Ersin Celik, corroborated the account, adding that Thunberg endured both physical manhandling and verbal abuse. He also said detainees were denied clean drinking water and food while in custody.
The Israeli Navy announced on Saturday that it had intercepted the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” a convoy carrying food and medical supplies destined for Gaza. Roughly 137 activists from multiple countries were detained during the operation.
Authorities have since begun deporting the detainees. So far, at least 36 activists — including citizens of the U.S., Malaysia, and other nations — have been expelled.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has categorically denied the allegations of abuse, calling reports of mistreatment “false and unfounded.”
The flotilla incident came amid delicate negotiations over U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza peace plan. Under the draft framework:
Hamas’ condition: Release of 48 hostages, disarmament, and surrender of governing authority in Gaza.
Israel’s stance: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the proposal but notably excluded recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.
The contrasting narratives — claims of abuse from activists and denials from Israel — have added new tension to an already volatile situation, just as talks to end the ongoing conflict appear to be moving forward.
