Greta Thunberg says Israeli forces denied detainees clean water during captivity

STOCKHOLM (AA) – Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg said Tuesday that she and other detainees aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla were denied access to clean water and subjected to abuse while in Israeli custody.

Thunberg was among nine Swedish activists detained last week after the flotilla — which sought to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza — was intercepted by the Israeli Navy.

The vessel was carrying activists from over 50 countries when it came under attack.

Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm’s Sergels Torg Square after returning to Sweden, Thunberg described harsh conditions during detention.

“We had no access to clean drinking water because it was contaminated, and many of us became sick,” she said.

“When we asked for help, Israeli guards threw away bottles of clean water in front of us and laughed.”

Thunberg said the group appealed to Swedish consular officials for assistance but received little support.

“When the consular officials left, I told them, ‘Once you’re gone, they’ll beat us, because no one will be watching.’ And that’s exactly what happened,” she said.

The 21-year-old activist alleged that detainees were also subjected to physical abuse and threats. “People were fainting, and when we asked for a doctor or life-saving medicine, they put 60 people in small cages and told us they would kill us with gas,” she said.

Thunberg accused Western governments, including Sweden’s, of failing to hold Israel accountable.

“Whatever we say, nothing seems to make our governments take action against Israel,” she added.

The Israeli military has maintained a blockade on Gaza for nearly 18 years. Since October 2023, Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 67,100 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave.