Shocking Allegations of Torture Emerge as Israel Deports Gaza Aid Activists, Including Greta Thunberg
ISTANBUL – Disturbing allegations of torture and humiliation have surfaced against the Israeli military, following the interception of a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. The claims, brought forward by released activists and journalists, have sparked international outrage and been vehemently denied by Israel.
The crisis began when the Israeli navy seized ships from the "Global Sumud" relief coalition—a fleet of over 40 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies and more than 450 activists, including prominent climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. While a group of detained activists were recently deported to Istanbul, the accounts they brought with them have sent shockwaves around the globe.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, Turkish journalist Ersin Çelik made grave allegations about Thunberg's treatment. "Israeli forces brutally humiliated Greta Thunberg," Çelik claimed. "They dragged her by her hair and assaulted her viciously. They forced her to her knees and made her kiss the Israeli flag."
Adding to the harrowing account, Italian journalist Lorenzo Agostino stated that activists were subjected to severe deprivation and mockery. "They draped the Israeli flag over Greta and paraded her around like a trophy," Agostino reported, citing testimony from other released detainees. "They were starved for days and forced to drink water from toilets."
In a swift and categorical response, Israel's Foreign Ministry has denounced all allegations as "complete and utter lies," maintaining that all detainees were treated in accordance with the law. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from nations including Turkey and South Africa, further intensifying the diplomatic fallout over Israel's blockade of Gaza and its handling of international aid efforts.