Greta Thunberg was among 437 activists, including 15 irish citizens, detained by Israel. All boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla were intercepted and passengers were abducted and illegally detained in an Israeli prison.
According to an email seen by The Guardian, a Swedish official visited Thunberg in prison where she was said to be held in a cell infested with bed bugs without sufficient food and water. The email from the Swedish ministry, sent to Thunberg's loved ones stated that the Swedish embassy has been able to meet with Thunberg, "She informed of dehydration. She has received insufficient amounts of both water and food. She also stated that she had developed rashes which she suspects were caused by bedbugs. She spoke of harsh treatment and said she had been sitting for long periods on hard surfaces," the email read.
The email also included a report from another detainee, stating that Thunberg was forced to hold the Israeli flag whilst photos were taken of her. Reports of the mistreatment Thunberg faced was corroborated by two detainees who were released last Saturday. "They dragged little Greta by her hair before our eyes, beat her and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag," said Turkish activist, Ersin Çelik. "They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others," they continued.
Fontaines D.C took to their Instagram account to share their support for Thunberg, they shared an image to their Instagram story with the caption ,“Greta Thunberg violently handled by Israeli military. She was dragged by her hair, beaten, and forced to kiss Israeli flag”.
The Swedish singer, AURORA, shared a video to her social media pleading to get those detained home. "All she has done is try to stand up for a whole nation that is about to die from being forced to starve," she said.
Israel has since deported Thunberg and 170 other activists that were detained when Israel intercepted the flotilla that was attempting to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza to deliver aid.
