Accra: Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday sharply rejected allegations that Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and other pro-Palestinian activists were harshly treated in detention, calling them ‘brazen lies.’
According to Ghana News Agency, far-right Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated he was ‘proud that we treat the ‘flotilla activists’ like supporters of terrorism.’ In a statement, Ben-Gvir said, ‘Anyone who supports terrorism is a terrorist and deserves the conditions that are appropriate for terrorists.’
The Foreign Ministry, in a post on X on Sunday, noted that Thunberg and the other detainees rejected the expedition of their deportation, insisting instead on remaining in custody. ‘Greta also did not complain to the Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations, because they never occurred,’ the post said.
Ben-Gvir claimed that he visited the ships and saw ‘no aid and no humanity.’ Instead, he said he found ‘a packet of baby food and an entire ship full of people, pretending to be human rights activists, who in reality came to support terrorism and amuse themselves at our expense.’ He said the activists should ‘feel the conditions of detention clearly and think twice, before approaching Israel again.’
On Friday, the Israeli Navy intercepted the last of the 42 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla. More than 400 crew members from dozens of countries were detained, including Thunberg. Israel has already begun deporting the activists back to their home countries.
The Guardian newspaper reported that Thunberg had spoken to Swedish representatives about harsh treatment in Israeli detention. She reportedly claimed she had received insufficient water and food, and had developed skin rashes, allegedly caused by bedbugs. She said she had spent long periods sitting ‘on hard surfaces.’ The newspaper cited an email from the Swedish Foreign Ministry to individuals close to Thunberg.
Other activists reportedly claimed that Thunberg had been dragged by her hair and beaten. They also alleged she was forced to kiss an Israeli flag. Similar accusations were made regarding the treatment of other pro-Palestinian activists.
The Swedish Foreign Ministry, according to the TT news agency, stated that its representatives had met with the detainees. The ministry further emphasized to Israeli authorities the importance of addressing medical needs and ensuring ‘immediate access to food and clean water,’ as well as the opportunity to meet with legal representatives.
The activists claimed they intended to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Israel had offered to transport the aid via ports outside Gaza and then deliver it to the Palestinian coastal area. However, the activists rejected this, arguing that Israel’s blockade of Gaza violates international law.