**Israel’s Foreign Ministry Denies Allegations of Mistreatment Against Greta Thunberg and Gaza Flotilla Detainees**
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has strongly denied reports alleging the mistreatment of climate activist Greta Thunberg and other detainees from the Gaza-bound flotilla, describing the claims as brazen lies. The ministry insisted that all detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld, according to a report by news agency ANI.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry stated that Thunberg “did not complain to the Israeli authorities about any of these ludicrous and baseless allegations because they never occurred.” It added that Thunberg, along with several other detainees, declined offers of expedited deportation, opting instead to remain in custody.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on Friday as it attempted to breach the naval blockade on Gaza with over 40 vessels. Approximately 450 people were detained, including Greta Thunberg, four French parliamentarians, and several international activists.
According to Israeli authorities, the flotilla was not carrying humanitarian aid but was instead seeking confrontation in support of Hamas. The foreign ministry further stated that documents recovered in Gaza indicated direct Hamas involvement in organizing and funding the flotilla. They described the operation as a well-coordinated effort aimed at provoking Israeli forces.
Efforts to deport the detainees are ongoing but have been delayed due to legal challenges and what officials describe as reluctance from some foreign governments to accept return flights for those they label as provocateurs. So far, 137 detainees who accepted voluntary deportation have been flown to Turkey, while organizers claim that 328 remain in custody.
Pro-flotilla groups have alleged poor detention conditions, including claims that Thunberg was held in a cell infested with bedbugs and denied adequate food and water. The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed these allegations as fabrications, reaffirming that all detainees are treated in accordance with both Israeli and international law.
The controversy escalated after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly stated he was proud that flotilla detainees were being treated like terrorists—a remark that drew condemnation from several foreign governments.
Meanwhile, four French detainees have begun a hunger strike in protest of their continued detention. Additionally, an American congressman is circulating a letter demanding the release of a detained Jewish-American activist.
Israel and Egypt have enforced a blockade on Gaza since 2007 aimed at preventing weapons smuggling following Hamas’s takeover of the territory. Activist flotillas have periodically challenged the blockade, most notably in 2010 during the Mavi Marmara incident. A UN inquiry later criticized Israel’s use of force in that event but upheld the legality of the blockade itself.
This latest flotilla comes nearly a year after Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 252 hostages were taken. Of the 48 hostages still held, about 20 are believed to be alive.
*(With ANI inputs)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/israel-rejects-claims-of-mistreatment-of-greta-thunberg-and-gaza-flotilla-activists-23597446