(MENAFN) Israel has denied allegations that it mistreated Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and other members of the Global Sumud flotilla, calling the claims “brazen lies.” At the same time, a senior Israeli minister defended the harsh treatment of the detainees, comparing them to terrorists.

Thunberg and fellow activists were arrested after attempting to break the Gaza blockade by sea. The Israeli Navy intercepted the flotilla on Friday, and most of the detainees were transferred to Ketziot Prison in the Negev Desert. Over 130 have since been deported to Türkiye.

Activists and lawyers claimed the detainees, including Thunberg, were subjected to “torture” and “harsh treatment” while in custody.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the accusations, stating that the detainees from what it called “the Hamas–Sumud flotilla” had their legal rights respected.

“Interestingly enough, Greta herself and other detainees refused to expedite their deportation and insisted on prolonging their stay in custody,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday. It also noted that Thunberg “did not complain to the Israeli authorities” about any mistreatment.

Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voiced support for the detainees' conditions. “I went to visit Ketziot prison and I was proud that we are treating the ‘flotilla activists’ as terror supporters, whoever supports terrorism is a terrorist, and deserves the conditions of terrorists… It is worthwhile for them to experience the conditions in Ketziot prison, and think twice before they come close to Israel again. That’s how it works,” he said.

Thunberg has reportedly met with officials from the Swedish embassy but has not yet had access to legal counsel, according to fellow flotilla activists.

MENAFN06102025000045017640ID1110154414