Swedish activist Greta Thunberg spoke at a press conference in Stockholm on October 7, 2025, held by the Global Movement to Gaza Sweden to welcome home the Swedish participants released from the Global Sumud Flotilla. Reuters
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg said Tuesday that she and other passengers from the Gaza aid flotilla suffered torture while in Israeli detention. Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, Thunberg said Israeli soldiers “kidnapped and tortured” the group after intercepting their boats en route to Gaza.
The 22-year-old activist declined to share detailed accounts of what she called “inhumane treatment.” She said she lacked access to clean water and that some detainees were denied essential medication.
“Personally, I don’t want to share what I was subjected to because I don’t want the focus to be ‘Greta was tortured,’” she said. “The real story is what people in Gaza go through every day.”
Israel Denies Allegations of Mistreatment
Israeli officials rejected the accusations, saying detainees were treated properly. “All detainees were given access to food, water, restrooms, and legal counsel,” an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson said last week. “Their rights were fully respected.”
The Israeli government has not responded directly to Thunberg’s new claims, but it has repeatedly denied allegations of abuse toward those detained from the flotilla.
Flotilla Sought to Deliver Aid to Gaza
Thunberg joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The group aimed to highlight the suffering of civilians in the besieged territory, where most residents have lost their homes and food shortages remain severe.
Israeli forces stopped the flotilla before it reached Gaza and detained 478 people, including Thunberg. Authorities expelled her and other foreign participants on Monday.
Israel has dismissed the flotilla as a “publicity stunt” that benefits the militant group Hamas. Officials argue that claims of famine in Gaza are exaggerated and that aid deliveries are already being coordinated through official channels.
This was not Thunberg’s first confrontation with Israeli authorities. In June, she was briefly detained at sea during a similar attempt to break the Gaza blockade.
Swedish Activists Report Rough Treatment
Some Swedish activists said Thunberg was pushed and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention. However, Thunberg did not mention that at her press event.
She and others also criticized Sweden’s government for not doing enough to help them while in custody.
In response, Swedish officials said they had consistently warned against all travel to Gaza but still provided consular assistance. “We reminded Israeli authorities of the importance of fair treatment for Swedish citizens,” the government said in a statement.
Focus Shifts Back to Gaza Crisis
Thunberg used her remarks to draw attention back to Gaza’s humanitarian situation. She said her own experience, though painful, was “nothing compared to what people in Gaza face daily.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla continues to draw international debate, as activists accuse Israel of using excessive force to maintain its blockade.
