French Doctor Says Greta Thunberg ‘Mocked And Mistreated’ By 'Abusive' Israeli Authorities

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 21:14 IST

Baptiste André said that while no physical violence occurred, Israeli border agents engaged in psychological mistreatment during their detention.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg

Israeli authorities mocked and deliberately deprived Greta Thunberg and others aboard a humanitarian aid boat of sleep after intercepting the vessel en route to Gaza, a French doctor who was also on board alleged.

Baptiste André said that while no physical violence occurred, Israeli border agents engaged in psychological mistreatment during their detention.

“As soon as someone fell asleep, the agents would turn up the music and dance," he said, adding that detainees struggled to access food and water.

He said, “I don’t have the legal qualifications to specify what happened, but there were acts of mistreatment."

Greta Thunberg’s Aid Mission Intercepted In International Waters

The Madleen- organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition- set sail from Italy on June 1 with 12 passengers, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. It was intercepted by the Israeli navy about 200 kilometers off the Gaza coast and all those aboard were detained.

Greta Thunberg, Baptiste André and two other passengers agreed to sign deportation papers and returned home by Tuesday evening. Others, including French MEP Rima Hassan, remain in custody pending a court hearing.

Greta Thunberg Calls For Swedish Intervention

In a video before her deportation, Greta Thunberg said, “We have been intercepted and kidnapped," urging the Swedish government to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

She described the initiative as a peaceful protest against Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The Israeli government defended its actions and dismissed the boat’s mission. Officials described the vessel as a “selfie yacht" and accused the flotilla of trying to violate Israel’s naval blockade under the guise of aid.

Mallika Soni

When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

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News world French Doctor Says Greta Thunberg ‘Mocked And Mistreated’ By 'Abusive' Israeli Authorities