ALBAWABA - Several Global Sumud Flotilla activists accused Israeli forces of allegedly mistreating Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg after they detained her as a warning to others on board the humanitarian movement, which aimed to break the siege in Gaza and allow aid such as basic needs and food to enter.
Many other pro-Palestine activists were also detained by Israeli forces but deported to Istanbul, according to Turkish authorities.
A total of 137 activists, including 36 Turkish nationals and others from various countries, landed in Istanbul.
During an interview, one of the activists accused Israeli forces of committing several inhumane crimes against Thunberg by dragging her on the ground and forcing her to kiss the Israeli flag.
An activist told CNN Turk after landing in Istanbul, "They dragged little Greta by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others."
Sumud activists: Greta Thunberg is being mistreated by Israeli forces
Turkish TV host Ikbal Gurpinar also claimed that Israeli forces deprived activists who were on board the Global Sumud Flotilla of basic human necessities by not providing them with water and food.
She added that they were forced to drink water from the toilet and described how the experience gave her a "better understanding" of what's happening in Gaza.
According to The Guardian, Israeli forces arrested all 437 activists on board the Global Sumud Flotilla after nearly reaching the Gaza shores. While a number of them were deported, many remain held in Israel's Ketziot prison. Reports also revealed that Greta Thunberg is also being held in a cell infested with bedbugs.
The Swedish climate activist also claimed that she was asked by Israeli authorities to sign a document she didn't understand. However, she refused to sign it.
