Activists allege mistreatment of Greta Thunberg by Israeli forces during detention
### International Activists Claim Mistreatment of Greta Thunberg as Israel Deports Gaza Aid Flotilla Participants
On Saturday, 137 international activists deported from Israel, including 36 Turkish nationals, alleged the mistreatment of climate campaigner Greta Thunberg by Israeli forces. Among the deportees were participants from the United States, Italy, Malaysia, Kuwait, Switzerland, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan, and several other countries, as confirmed by Turkish officials upon their arrival in Istanbul.
### Allegations of Abuse During Deportation Process
Ersin Celik, a Turkish journalist and participant of the Gaza Sumud Flotilla, reported to local media that he witnessed Israeli forces “torture Greta Thunberg.” He described scenes where Thunberg was “dragged on the ground” and coerced into kissing the Israeli flag. Malaysian activist Hazwani Helmi and American Windfield Beaver corroborated these claims at Istanbul Airport, stating Thunberg was shoved and displayed with an Israeli flag.
“It was a disaster. They treated us like animals,” Helmi recounted, adding that detainees lacked food, clean water, and medication. Beaver echoed these sentiments, noting that Thunberg was “treated terribly” and “used as propaganda,” as she was forced into a room during an appearance by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
### Accounts of Inhumane Conditions Emerge
Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino cited Thunberg’s treatment, emphasizing her bravery at only 22 years of age. “She was humiliated, wrapped in an Israeli flag, and exhibited like a trophy,” he told Anadolu Agency.
Further harsh treatment accounts emerged from Turkish TV presenter Ikbal Gurpinar, who said, “They treated us like dogs,” detailing a lack of food and water for three days. Activist Aycin Kantoglu described bloodstained prison walls with messages from previous detainees—a poignant glimpse into the Palestinian plight.
### Political and Legal Repercussions
An ongoing legal and political discourse surrounds this incident. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani noted the deportation of 26 Italians, while 15 remain in Israeli custody. Italian MP Arturo Scotto, also part of the flotilla, stated, “Those who were acting legally were the people aboard those boats; those who acted illegally were those who prevented them from reaching Gaza.”
Adalah, an Israeli rights group, reported that detainees faced inhumane conditions, including being forced to kneel with zip-tied hands, lack of medication, and restricted access to legal representation. However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry refuted these claims as “complete lies,” assuring that all detainees received food, water, and legal rights in compliance with the law.
### International Condemnation Sparks Over Israel’s Actions
Israel’s interception of approximately 40 boats carrying aid to Gaza, culminating in the detention of over 450 individuals, has drawn widespread condemnation. Critics argue the incident highlights the illegality of Israel’s blockade, which continues to isolate Gaza’s 2.3 million residents amid ongoing conflict.
The flotilla, initiated in late August, aimed to challenge Israel’s siege and provide essential aid to the Palestinians, adding to the ongoing international discourse surrounding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
