(MENAFN) Israel has strongly denied allegations that it mistreated Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg and other participants of the Global Sumud flotilla, labeling the accusations as “brazen lies.”

At the same time, the Israeli official responsible for overseeing prisons stated he was proud that the activists were being handled in the same manner as terrorists.

Fellow demonstrators and legal representatives have asserted that Thunberg, alongside other individuals, endured “torture” and “harsh treatment” while detained in an Israeli correctional facility.

These claims followed the interception and arrest of the activists during their attempt to deliver aid to Gaza by sea.

Thunberg and her companions aimed to defy the maritime blockade on Gaza but were halted by the Israeli Navy on Friday.

The majority of the detained individuals were transferred to Ketziot Prison, located in the Negev Desert. Since then, over 130 people have been deported to Türkiye.

In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the reports of abuse involving the detainees from what it termed the “Hamas–Sumud flotilla.”

A statement released on Sunday declared, “All the detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld.

Interestingly enough, Greta herself and other detainees refused to expedite their deportation and insisted on prolonging their stay in custody.”

The ministry also noted that Thunberg “did not complain to the Israeli authorities” concerning any of the alleged mistreatment.

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