Following the detention of approximately 137 activists by Israeli authorities while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, two individuals have alleged that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was mistreated during her time in custody. The activists were deported to Turkey after being held by Israeli forces.
Upon their arrival at Istanbul Airport, Hazwani Helmi, a 28-year-old Malaysian citizen, and Windfield Beaver, a 43-year-old American citizen, recounted their experiences, claiming they witnessed Thunberg being shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag. “It was a disaster. They treated us like animals,” Helmi stated, highlighting the lack of clean food and water provided to detainees. Beaver added that Thunberg was “treated terribly” and “used as propaganda,” detailing an incident where she was pushed into a room as Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrived.
International Reactions and Denials
Israel has not yet responded to these specific allegations, but earlier statements from its foreign ministry labeled claims of mistreatment as “complete lies.” The ministry asserted that all detained activists were “safe and in good health” and stated intentions to expedite the remaining deportations. In a separate post on social media platform X, the ministry accused some flotilla members of “deliberately obstructing” the deportation process, although it provided no evidence to support this claim.
Among the deported activists were 36 Turkish nationals and citizens from various countries, including the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Italy. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, confirmed that 26 Italians were on the Turkish Airlines flight, with another 15 still detained in Israel awaiting expulsion. Tajani directed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure the remaining detainees were treated with respect for their rights.
The first group of Italians, which included four parliamentarians, returned to Rome on October 7, 2023. One of the politicians, Arturo Scotto, stated, “Those who were acting legally were the people aboard those boats; those who acted illegally were those who prevented them from reaching Gaza.” Another parliamentarian, Benedetta Scuderi, described the situation as being “brutally stopped” and “brutally taken hostage.”
Legal Rights and Allegations of Abuse
According to Adalah, an Israeli organization providing legal support to the activists, detainees were subjected to various forms of abuse, including denial of access to legal counsel, water, medications, and toilets. Detainees were reportedly forced to kneel with their hands zip-tied for at least five hours after chanting “Free Palestine.” In response, an Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed these claims as “complete lies,” asserting that all detainees had access to necessary provisions and legal rights.
The flotilla, which set sail in late August 2023, represents the latest effort by activists to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza. This blockade has been a point of contention, particularly following the escalation of conflict following a deadly attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel in October 2023. Israeli officials have consistently condemned such missions as stunts, warning participants against violating what they describe as a “lawful naval blockade.”
The unfolding situation continues to draw international attention, with various governments and organizations monitoring the treatment of the detainees and the broader implications of the flotilla’s mission. As more details emerge, the discourse surrounding humanitarian aid to Gaza remains a contentious issue in the ongoing conflict.
