Greta Thunberg, the 22-year-old Swedish activist, was intercepted by Israeli forces while attempting to bring aid to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s humanitarian mission. Thunberg claimed in a video that she and others were “kidnapped in international waters” and detained in poor conditions, including a bedbug-infested cell with little food or water. Swedish officials supported claims of mistreatment, stating she showed signs of dehydration and suspected bug bites. Meanwhile, Israel denied these allegations, calling the flotilla a “media stunt” and insisting all detainees received proper care.

Following her detainment, Thunberg was deported to Sweden via France, with Israeli authorities asserting she and a few others agreed to leave voluntarily. However, Thunberg firmly denied entering Israel illegally, stating she was taken against her will. The incident sparked international outrage and raised questions about Israel’s treatment of activists and humanitarian aid efforts. Thunberg emphasized the mission’s goal was to deliver aid and show solidarity with Palestinians facing what she called a “livestreamed genocide”—a claim Israel has strongly rejected.