‘Tied Me Up, Wrote ‘Wh**re’: Greta Thunberg Details ‘Inhuman’ Israeli Detention

Greta Thunberg describes guards lacking “empathy and humanity,” threatening activists with gas, and detaining hundreds in harsh conditions. Despite the ordeal, flotilla organizers vow to continue the mission until the “illegal blockade of Gaza” is fully ended.

October 16, 2025: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has publicly accused Israeli law enforcement of “inhuman behavior” and mistreatment during her detention following the interception of the ‘Freedom Flotilla,’ an international aid mission attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip.

The activist, who was among over 400 people taken into custody and held in a high-security prison earlier this month, recounted her experience to the Swedish news outlet Aftonbladet. Israeli authorities had used water cannons to intercept the flotilla.

Allegations of Physical Abuse, Humiliation, and Threats

Thunberg described a shocking lack of “humanity and empathy” from the guards, alleging both physical and psychological abuse. “The guards have no empathy or humanity, and they keep taking selfies with me,” Thunberg told the outlet, adding that she was “tied me and took selfies.” She further alleged: “They dragged me to the opposite side from where the others were sitting, and I had the flag around me the whole time. They hit and kicked me.”

She also claimed that her returned luggage was vandalized with obscene graffiti, including images of the Israeli flag, an erect penis, and the words ‘Wh**e Greta’. Other details of the alleged mistreatment included guards threatening to “gas” the activists, holding up a gas cylinder “in an allegedly violent manner.” She also described a scene where around 50 people were made to kneel with handcuffs and their foreheads on the ground.

Thunberg noted the overwhelming nature of the experience: “So much is happening at once. You’re in shock. You’re in pain, but you go into a state of trying to stay calm.”

Israeli Authorities Deny Claims

Israeli authorities have vehemently denied the allegations of mistreatment. A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy stated that “all detainees from the Hamas-Sumud provocation were given access to water, food and toilets; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights, including access to medical care, were fully upheld.” Israel has frequently dismissed the flotilla missions as political “PR stunts.”

Flotilla Organizer Vows to Continue Mission

Meanwhile, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, a key organizer of the international aid flotilla, stated that the movement to get life-saving relief into Gaza would continue, despite the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

“There is nothing in the ceasefire agreements to indicate that the illegal blockade of Gaza by Israel, the United States, or any other nation will end,” Avila told reporters upon his return to Brazil. He concluded by affirming the activists’ resolve: “As long as there is no justice for the Palestinian people, the flotilla will continue.”