Greta Thunberg, the 22-year-old activist from Sweden, was detained in Israel after violating the maritime blockade on Gaza on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, and she now opens up of her time spent in custody.
She was among 437 activists — alongside Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela — parliamentarians and lawyers detained after Israeli forces intercepted their humanitarian aid convoy earlier this month.
Greta shared she had undergoing “torture” and was “hit and kicked,” accusing Israeli guards of having “no empathy or humanity.”
The activist claimed she had seen dozens of people in handcuffs with their foreheads on the ground, adding she had to “beg” for water while in 40C heat, the Independent reported.
“They roughly shoved me into a corner, facing the wall. ‘A special place for a special lady,’” the guards said to her, according to the Swedish site Aftonbladet.
Further, she told the publication that detainees were kept in metal cages, made to stand through the night, and threatened with gas. She also mentioned that guards often disturbed their sleep by rattling the bars and flashing lights into their cells. ”The guards completely lack empathy and humanity, and they kept taking selfies with me. There’s a lot I don’t remember — so much was happening at once. You’re in a state of shock. You’re in pain, but you enter a stage where you try to stay calm.”
Additionally, she alleged that Israeli guards had written “Wh**e Greta” in bold black marker on her suitcase, adding a drawing of an Israeli flag and an erect pe**s around it.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry strongly denied Thunberg’s claims.
In a statement to The Telegraph, they 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.”
Further, the ministry reported that Thunberg was processed in line with international law and deported safely on October 6.
In August 2025, a humanitarian flotilla with over 500 activists and aid supplies set sail for Gaza. Despite Israeli warnings to turn back from what they called “an active warzone,” the ships pressed on. Israeli forces later intercepted them, detaining all aboard — including Greta Thunberg — before deporting the group. The incident reignited debate over Israel’s blockade, dividing opinion between those who hailed Thunberg’s activism and those who accused her of spreading false narratives.
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