Greta Thunberg Alleges Mistreatment in Detention, Claims Forced to Kiss Israel Flag

Israel deported 137 activists on Saturday who had been detained while participating in an aid flotilla bound for Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail last month to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, was blocked by Israeli authorities, leading to the detention of over 400 activists and international protests.

Among the deported, 36 were Turkish nationals. Activists reported being subjected to violence and degrading treatment during detention, describing the experience as being “treated like animals.”

Several activists claimed that Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg was mistreated. Hazwani Helmi from Malaysia and Windfield Beaver from the US said Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag. Ersin Çelik added that she was dragged by her hair, assaulted, and made to kiss the Israeli flag as a warning to others.

Other detainees described harsh treatment including being forced onto their knees, insulted, beaten, and subjected to psychological and physical abuse. Paolo Romano, a regional councillor from Italy, said, “They put us on our knees, facing down. And if we moved, they hit us. They were laughing at us, insulting us and hitting us.”

Israel has denied allegations of mistreatment, asserting that all detainees were treated according to legal procedures.

The incident has sparked global outrage, with human rights organizations and activists calling for accountability and safe passage for humanitarian aid to Gaza.