Climate activist Greta Thunberg has reported dire conditions in an Israeli holding cell, claiming it was infested with bedbugs following her detention while being a part of an aid fleet headed for Gaza.
The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reached out to Thunberg’s parents to inform them that they had met with the 22-year-old in Israel.
In communication with officials, Thunberg expressed concerns about dehydration and cited insufficient food and water during her detention.
“She mentioned developing a rash, suspecting that it was due to bedbugs,” the officials noted. “She described the harsh treatment and mentioned sitting on a hard surface for an extended period.”
Thunberg reportedly told a senior Swedish official that she was compelled to pose for a photograph holding a flag and was curious if it would be made public.
However, the specific flags involved in the photo were not disclosed.
Thunberg’s boat was among over 40 individuals intercepted by Israeli authorities recently.
Numerous participants were detained as part of the global SUMUD fleet initiative.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the efforts to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza as a “legitimization campaign against Israel.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant referred to the fleet as a Hamas-operated endeavor.
Thunberg was part of a pro-Palestinian fleet last August, which was intercepted before it could reach the shores of Gaza.
This incident has sparked protests globally.
Colombia has since expelled its entire Israeli diplomatic delegation and revoked its free trade agreement with Israel. Meanwhile, officials in Istanbul are looking into the events surrounding the August detention.
“They dragged Little Greta,” stated Turkish activist El Sinrik, who also took part in the fleet. “[Thunberg] was made to hold her hair in front of us while they forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did whatever they could to intimidate others.”
Journalist Lorenzo do Agostino mentioned that Thunberg was “paraded like a trophy” following her capture, being wrapped in the Israeli flag.
All nine Swedish participants in the fleet were detained.
An email sent to Thunberg’s parents indicated that the Swedish Embassy in Tel Aviv is actively engaging with Israeli authorities to ensure a swift resolution and facilitate the return of the detainees to Sweden.
The embassy also highlighted the need to promptly address individual medical needs and stressed that food and clean water should be immediately provided to all detainees, along with access to Israeli legal representation when necessary.
