Climate activist Greta Thunberg, a prominent figure in the environmental movement, has claimed that she is enduring appalling conditions in an Israeli holding cell filled with bedbugs after her capture during an aid flotilla aiming for Gaza.
Sweden’s Foreign Ministry informed Thunberg’s parents through an email, which was obtained by The Guardian, confirming they had met with the 22-year-old activist in Israel.
According to the email, Thunberg has reported experiencing dehydration, asserting that she hasn’t been given adequate food or water.
“She mentioned that rashes had developed, which she inferred might be caused by bedbugs,” the email revealed. “She described enduring harsh treatment and spending prolonged periods sitting on hard surfaces.”
Thunberg also relayed to Swedish officials that she had been coerced into posing for photos while holding flags, expressing a desire to know if these images had been released to the press.
However, it remains unclear what specific flags she was made to hold during these photoshoots.
Thunberg’s vessel was among over 40 intercepted by Israeli forces on Thursday.
A number of participants from the coordinated Global Sumud Flotilla were detained.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the attempt to lift Israel’s blockade on Gaza a “de-legitimization effort against Israel.”
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, characterized the flotilla as a terrorist operation orchestrated by Hamas.
In August, Thunberg participated in another pro-Palestinian flotilla that was likewise intercepted before it could reach Gaza’s coast.
The incidents have sparked protests across the globe.
In a notable response, Colombia expelled Israel’s entire diplomatic delegation and ended its free trade agreement with the country. Authorities in Istanbul are currently investigating the detentions that occurred in August.
Turkish activist Ersin Çelik, who was part of the flotilla, told state-run Anadolu News, “They dragged little Greta [Thunberg] by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They subjected her to unimaginable treatment as a warning to others.”
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Journalist Lorenzo D’Agostino reported that Thunberg was “wrapped in the Israeli flag” following her apprehension, “and paraded like a trophy.”
A total of nine Swedes were detained for their involvement in the flotilla.
“The Swedish embassy in Tel Aviv is in contact with Israeli officials to emphasize the need for a prompt resolution and the possibility for their return to Sweden,” went the email sent to Thunberg’s parents.
“Discussions with the detained individuals highlighted the necessity of addressing their medical needs as well.”
“Additionally, the embassy stressed that food and clean water should be provided immediately and all detainees must have access to Israeli legal representation if they wish.”
