Greta Thunberg Alleges Torture by Israeli Military in Gaza Flotilla

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has claimed that she and other members of the Gaza flotilla were subjected to torture during their detention by the Israeli military. Speaking at a news conference in Stockholm on October 3, 2023, Thunberg described the experiences of the detainees, stating they were “kidnapped and tortured.” She refrained from sharing specific details of her own treatment but indicated that she lacked access to clean water and that fellow detainees had been denied essential medications.

During her remarks, Thunberg emphasized that her personal ordeal should not overshadow the broader humanitarian issues facing the people of Gaza. “Personally, I don’t want to share what I was subjected to because I don’t want it to make headlines and ‘Greta has been tortured,’ because that’s not the story here,” she said, highlighting the plight of the enclave’s residents, where the United Nations reports widespread hunger affecting most of the 2.2 million inhabitants.

The Israeli foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters but has consistently denied allegations of mistreatment regarding detainees. A spokesperson stated, “All detainees… were given access to water, food, and restrooms; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights were fully upheld.”

Thunberg was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to deliver aid supplies to Gaza while raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the region. The flotilla, comprising several vessels, was intercepted by Israeli forces. Thunberg and approximately 478 other activists were detained and expelled from Israel on October 2, 2023.

Israel has characterized the flotilla as a publicity stunt that benefits the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Officials claim reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated, asserting that aid is being delivered through official channels. Notably, Thunberg had previously been detained at sea during a similar mission to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza in June 2023.

Reports from other activists indicate that Thunberg faced rough treatment during her detention, with claims she was forcibly made to wear an Israeli flag. However, she did not address these allegations during her press conference. Participants in the flotilla have also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of support from the Swedish government during their detention.

In response to these concerns, a statement from the Swedish government reiterated its advisories against travel to Gaza but confirmed that consular support was provided to the activists. The government emphasized the importance of ensuring that Swedish citizens are treated appropriately while abroad.

As the situation continues to unfold, Thunberg’s allegations add to the ongoing discourse surrounding Israel’s military practices and the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Activists and international observers are likely to keep a close watch on developments in this high-profile case.