Greta Thunberg Alleges ‘Torture’ After Israeli Detention, Calls Out ‘Genocide’ in Gaza

Greta Thunberg, the renowned climate activist, was released from Israeli custody this week, immediately using her platform to describe her detention as ‘torture’ and to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza as ‘genocide.’ Her release on Monday, October 6, 2025, followed her arrest alongside 436 other activists, lawyers, and parliamentarians who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. This coalition of 42 vessels had attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, currently under a 16-year naval blockade by Israel and Egypt.

Accounts from other detainees paint a grim picture of their treatment. Activists have reported threats, beatings, and denial of basic necessities like food, water, sleep, and medication. Lawyers from the Israeli human-rights organization Adalah stated that crew members’ rights were “systematically violated.” Specific allegations against Thunberg include being ‘dragged by her hair,’ beaten, and forced to hold Israeli flags, according to journalists on board. Thunberg herself, in an email reviewed by The Guardian, described ‘dehydration,’ ‘insufficient amounts of both water and food,’ and suspected bedbug rashes during her imprisonment.

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir staunchly defended the treatment, labeling the activists ‘supporters of terrorism’ who ‘deserve the conditions of terrorists.’ The Israel Foreign Ministry, however, denied any abuses, asserting that all detainees were given access to necessities and legal counsel.

Thunberg, who had previously been detained and deported from Israel in June for a similar aid effort, notably refused to elaborate on her personal ordeal during a press conference in Greece following her deportation. Instead, she redirected attention to the broader conflict, stating, “That is not the story. Israel is escalating genocide and mass destruction with genocidal intent, attempting to erase an entire population in front of our eyes.”

Her release has not quelled the controversy, with demonstrations erupting globally last week to protest Israel’s interception of the flotilla. Many flotilla members, including 21 American citizens, reportedly remain imprisoned in Israel, keeping the issue at the forefront of international discourse.

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