Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has told Swedish officials that she is facing harsh conditions while being held in Israeli detention, following her arrest after joining a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to The Guardian.
In correspondence reviewed by the newspaper, another detainee reported that Israeli forces allegedly took photographs of Thunberg holding flags under duress, though the flags’ identities remain unknown.
An email from the Swedish foreign ministry, shared with people close to Thunberg, stated that a Swedish diplomat who visited her in prison confirmed her claims. She reported being kept in a flea-infested cell with insufficient food and water, leading to dehydration and skin rashes. She also described being forced to sit for long periods on hard surfaces as part of her treatment.
“The embassy has been able to meet with Greta. She reported dehydration, lack of food and water, and rashes believed to be caused by bedbugs. She described harsh treatment,” the email stated.
Thunberg was among 437 activists, parliamentarians, and lawyers aboard the Global Sumud flotilla, a coalition of over 40 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies. The mission aimed to challenge Israel’s 16-year naval blockade of Gaza.
Between Thursday and Friday, Israeli forces intercepted all ships, detaining every crew member. Most of them, including Thunberg, are reportedly being held at Ketziot (Ansar III), a high-security prison in the Negev desert primarily used for Palestinian detainees, many of whom Israel accuses of involvement in militant or terrorist activity.
