Israel is facing allegations of detaining Greta Thunberg in a ‘bedbug-infested cell’ following her claims of being ‘abducted’ by the nation.
Thunberg has made multiple attempts to enter Gaza to deliver aid to those affected by the Israeli blockade.
Reports indicate ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’ in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports that one in three individuals is experiencing prolonged food scarcity, raising concerns of a ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in the conflict-ridden area.
Efforts to deliver aid to suffering Palestinians in Gaza have included involvement from Thunberg.
A correspondence obtained by the Guardian alleges that Israeli forces are compelling Thunberg to ‘hold flags’ while in detention, though the nature of these flags is unspecified.
An email from the Swedish foreign ministry to Thunberg’s close associates reveals that a visiting official reported her prison cell was ‘infested with bedbugs, with too little food and water’, according to the Guardian.
The email states: “The embassy has been able to meet with Greta. 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 ministry’s official added: “Another detainee reportedly told another embassy that they had seen her [Thunberg] being forced to hold flags while pictures were taken. She wondered whether images of her had been distributed.”
The Israeli embassy has refuted these allegations, calling them ‘complete lies’. They stated: “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.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla sent over 40 boats and nearly 450 activists to Gaza, symbolically carrying humanitarian aid. However, these vessels were boarded by Israeli forces, who detained many aboard, including European lawmakers and Thunberg.
The flotilla’s organizers reported that at least 39 of their boats were intercepted, or believed to be intercepted, during an overnight Israeli operation.
Barcelona mayor Ada Colau and European Parliament member Rima Hassan were also among those detained, according to PA reports.