Greta Thunberg mistreated by Israeli forces in detention, activists say

Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg (C) deported, after she was arrested on board an aid boat for Gaza with other pro-Palestinian activists who were taken to Ben Gurion airport for deportation on June 10 2025 [File: Anders WIKLUND/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP]

Oct. 4, 2025 - Several international activists deported from Israel after joining a Gaza aid flotilla have accused Israeli forces of mistreating climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The 137 deportees landed in Istanbul on Saturday, including 36 Turkish nationals alongside activists from the United States, Italy, Malaysia, Kuwait, Switzerland, Tunisia, Libya, Jordan and other countries, Turkish officials confirmed.

Turkish journalist and Gaza Sumud Flotilla participant Ersin Celik told local media outlets he witnessed Israeli forces “torture Greta Thunberg,” describing how she was “dragged on the ground” and “forced to kiss the Israeli flag.”

Malaysian activist Hazwani Helmi and American participant Windfield Beaver gave similar accounts at Istanbul Airport, alleging Thunberg was shoved and paraded with an Israeli flag.

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