Greta Thunberg says she is being held in Israeli cell ‘infested with bedbugs’

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has reportedly told Swedish officials that she is being held in poor conditions in Israel, where she claims to have been detained in a cell “infested with bedbugs”.

According to an email cited by Sweden’s Foreign Ministry, embassy officials were able to meet Thunberg during her detention. “She informed of dehydration. She has received insufficient amounts of both water and food. She also stated that she had developed rashes which she suspects were caused by bedbugs,” the message read.

The ministry said Thunberg also described “harsh treatment” by Israeli authorities, stating that she had been made to sit for long periods on hard surfaces.

Another detainee, who was in contact with a separate embassy, reportedly said they saw Thunberg “being forced to hold flags while pictures were taken,” raising concerns that images of her might have been circulated without consent.

The Swedish Foreign Ministry confirmed that it is in contact with Israeli authorities to ensure Thunberg’s wellbeing and to clarify the circumstances of her detention. Israeli officials have not yet issued a public statement on the reports.

Thunberg, 22, has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza and recently participated in several pro-Palestine demonstrations in Europe before reportedly joining the humanitarian flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces.