Israel provides update following allegations that Greta Thunberg was 'mistreated' and held in a 'bedbug-infested cell' during detention

Greta Thunberg Detained by Israeli Authorities

Israel has issued an update regarding the situation with Greta Thunberg, following allegations of her being 'mistreated' and held in a 'bedbug-infested cell'.

Thunberg, who was earlier 'kidnapped' by Israeli forces when a Freedom Flotilla boat she was on was intercepted, recently posted a video on social media claiming she had been 'abducted'. The 22-year-old has repeatedly attempted to enter Gaza to deliver aid to those affected by the Israeli blockade.

Reports in the media have highlighted 'widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease' in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.

According to a correspondence reviewed by The Guardian, Israeli forces allegedly compelled Thunberg to 'hold flags’ while she was in custody following her detention.

The activist had previously stated she was kidnapped

In the meantime, an email from the Swedish foreign ministry to those associated with Thunberg indicated that an official who visited the activist in prison noted her cell was 'infested with bedbugs, with insufficient food and water', the outlet reports.

The email states: "The embassy was able to meet with Greta. She reported dehydration and inadequate amounts of both water and food. She also mentioned developing rashes, which she suspects were due to bedbugs. She described harsh treatment and noted she had been sitting for extended periods on hard surfaces."

The Swedish ministry’s official added: "Another detainee reportedly informed a different embassy that they had witnessed her [Thunberg] being compelled to hold flags while photographs were taken. She questioned whether images of her had been circulated."

Israel's foreign ministry confirmed on Monday (October 6) that Thunberg, along with 170 other activists, has since been deported.

Israeli authorities had detained Greta Thunberg

Photos released by Israeli officials depict Thunberg and other activists passing through an airport wearing identical gray sweatsuits and white t-shirts.

Israel asserts that 'all the legal rights of those involved in this PR stunt were and will continue to be fully respected', adding that 'the falsehoods they are spreading are part of their premeditated fake news campaign'.

Israeli officials had previously dismissed the claims of 'bedbug infested cells' as 'complete lies', stating: "All detainees from the Hamas-Sumud provocation were provided with water, food, and toilets; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights, including access to medical care, were fully respected."

The Global Sumud Flotilla launched over 40 boats carrying nearly 450 activists in an effort to support those in Gaza, but these vessels were ultimately intercepted by Israeli forces.