Israel Dismisses Greta Thunberg’s Jail Claims as “Brazen Lies”
In a heated political row, Israel’s Foreign Ministry has fired back at climate activist Greta Thunberg, rejecting her claims of poor treatment while in guardianship and branding them “brazen lies.”
The contestation stems from reports that Thunberg endured hours sitting on hard shells in a bedbug – overran cell, without sufficient food or water, after being detained during her Gaza-bound philanthropic procession.
According to political correspondence from Sweden, the 22-year-old said she developed rashes she believed were caused by bedbugs and complained of dehumidification.
“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.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry, however, firmly denied the allegations. In a post shared on X, an official insisted that “all detainees’ legal rights were fully upheld.”
The ministry added that Thunberg “did not complain to Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations because they never occurred.”
The claims regarding the mistreatment of Greta Thunberg and other detainees from the Hamas–Sumud flotilla are brazen lies.
All the detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld.
Interestingly enough, Greta herself and other detainees refused to expedite their deportation and insisted…— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 5, 2025
Officials emphasised that all detainees were given access to food, water, medical care, and legal assistance, dismissing the reports as complete fabrications.
Court records from a hearing held on 5 October reportedly support Israel’s account, showing Thunberg requested deportation to Sweden but made no formal complaint of mistreatment while in custody.
The ministry also alleged that another detainee from Spain bit a female medical worker inside Ketziot Prison, implying that the activists’ conduct was far from peaceful.
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, described the procession members as “supporters of terrorism,” saying he was “proud they experienced the same conditions as terrorist detainees.”
His reflections have drawn sharp review from mortal rights groups and spectators who argue that similar rhetoric only heightens pressures.
Meanwhile, accounts from other actors paint a veritably different picture. One activist claimed guards dragged Thunberg by the hair, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. These claims, still, remain unverified.
Thunberg was among more than 450 activists from colorful countries detained after Israeli nonmilitary forces interdicted the Global Sumud Flotilla on 1 October.
The convoy, which set sail from Turkey, aimed to break Israel’s maritime blockade on Gaza and deliver emblematic aid.
Following the interception, Israeli authorities confirmed the deportation of several detained aid workers and activists, including Thunberg, an episode that has already drawn international attention and sparked debate over Israel’s handling of foreign detainees.
The Swedish delegation reportedly raised concerns over Thunberg’s condition and communicated her health complaints to Israeli authorities, including issues of dehumidification and skin irritation.
Thunberg’s legal status remains uncertain as expatriation proceedings continue. Several activists have been transferred home, while others are awaiting opinions from Israeli courts.
The incident has reignited transnational debate over the treatment of foreign activists, the rights of detainees, and the broader issue of Israel’s siege on Gaza.
While Israel insists it acted lawfully, Thunberg’s sympathizers are demanding an independent investigation.
The case has swiftly evolved from a climate activism story into a flashpoint of pressure on political and moral rights, one that now sits at the heart of global scrutiny.
Whether this disagreement fades or intensifies, one thing is certain: Greta Thunberg remains a lightning rod for both admiration and wrath, her activism colliding head-on with the world’s political realities once again.
