Aris MESSINIS/AFP
Since 2007, a blockade restricting the movement of goods and persons into Gaza has been imposed by the Israeli military. Originally intended to solely prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas, several human rights organisations have reported that the Israeli government repeatedly blocked shipments of essential goods, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. In response to this, an activist group known as the Freedom Flotilla, has repeatedly sent vessels of around 500 participants to provide food, medical equipment, and other essential supplies to civilians in Gaza.
On the 2nd of October 2025, activist Greta Thunberg was intercepted and detained by Israeli authorities in an attempt to sail to Gaza with the Freedom Flotilla; this being the activist’s second attempt at sailing to Gaza. Upon her release from detention on the 6th of October, Thunberg held a press conference in Stockholm, where she alleged torture and abuse at the hands of Israeli authorities. Thunberg claimed she and other Freedom Flotilla members were kept in harsh conditions, with detainees forced to beg for food, water, and medication. Detainees were also subject to frequent beatings, threats of “being gassed”, as well as routine sleep deprivation.
She also recounted degrading treatment such as being forced to wear the Israeli flag, being called slurs, and having her belongings defaced with the Star of David. Thunberg further alleged that other members of the Freedom Flotilla faced worse conditions, saying she witnessed members tied up with their foreheads against the ground and guards taking humiliating selfies with prisoners.
The Israeli government denied all allegations, calling them “ludicrous and baseless”. In an interview with Reuters, the Israeli foreign ministry stated that “All detainees […] were given access to water, food, and restrooms; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights were fully upheld.” However, Thunberg’s testimony aligns with cases of rampant human rights abuses occurring in Israeli prisons documented by human rights organisations and the United Nations.