Sweden responds to Greta Thunberg’s alleged abuse in Israel
Greta Thunberg addressing activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla, advocating for humanitarian aid and climate justice
Sweden’s foreign minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed grave concern over claims that Greta Thunberg was abused by Israeli forces after the interception of the Gaza aid flotilla, according to the Middle East Eye via Anadolu Agency on October 6th.
“I have taken note of the reports allegations of abusive treatment. If the reports are true, this is very serious,” Stenergard said, adding that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the embassy were coordinating efforts to secure the safe return of the Swedish citizens.
Reportedly, Thunberg was among over 400 people — comprised of lawyers, politicians, and campaigners — detained when Israeli forces blocked the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza. Some reports allege Thunberg was forced to pose with an Israeli flag.
The flotilla, a coalition of roughly 40 vessels carrying participants from 45 countries, had set out to deliver emergency supplies to Palestinians in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions continue to worsen under Israel’s blockade.
However, the operation began to lose its impact when Italy withdrew its naval escort vessel out of fear that continued involvement could lead to a diplomatic standoff with Israel. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed concerns that an escalation at sea might disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire.
Israel has declared that none of the flotilla’s ships had succeeded in entering Gaza’s coastal waters and dismissed the operation as a “provocation,” claiming that it had links to Hamas. Israel insisted that the naval blockade remains lawful and vowed to prevent any further attempts to challenge it. Contact was lost with one of the vessels, the Mikeno, while another, the Marinette, was still attempting to reach the enclave.
The latest failed attempt follows several similar missions earlier this year, including the Freedom Flotilla in June, which was also intercepted by Israel and carried prominent activists such as Thunberg.
Seventeen years into the blockade, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Since March 2025, Israeli authorities have restricted the entry of food, fuel, and medical aid, leading to widespread shortages and deadly chaos at distribution sites. Humanitarian groups have condemned the policy as collective punishment in violation of international law.
Stockholm’s response to Thunberg’s reported mistreatment underscores growing concern in Europe over Israel’s handling of both humanitarian workers and foreign citizens. While Sweden has called for accountability, it remains uncertain whether this diplomatic pressure will yield concrete consequences or fade as yet another episode in a long cycle of impunity surrounding Israel’s actions toward Gaza.
Middle East Eye via Anadolu Agency, Maghrebi.org
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