Backlash Against Greta Thunberg Over Hostage Image

Climate activist Greta Thunberg faced significant criticism after Israel shared images of a malnourished hostage in a social media post. Screenshots of the post surfaced online, troubling many.

The Instagram post was intended to highlight the “unpleasant truth” about Palestinian prisoners. This came in the wake of Israel intercepting the global Samud Fleet, which aimed to break the blockade imposed on Gaza. The topic of discussion has sparked intense emotions, as some have linked it to the ongoing tensions in the region.

“The suffering of Palestinian prisoners is a reality, not just a viewpoint. It’s about cruelty and dehumanization, and humanity should not pick and choose its justice,” someone remarked after seeing the post. It included images of Eviatar David, a hostage forced to endure terrible conditions, including what appeared to be him digging his own grave, according to reports.

Activists shared the image two years after David’s initial capture during Hamas’s attacks against Israelis.

If you need more proof that Greta Thunberg is misinformed, she posted this image supposedly showcasing Palestinian suffering, but it features Eviatar David, a starving Israeli hostage. pic.twitter.com/z82xkwrgd6

– Aviva Klompas (@avivaklompas) October 7, 2025

“Before posting something, you really should do your homework. In slide 6, Hamas deliberately used a photo of an Israeli hostage in distress,” another added, referencing coverage by the New York Post. “The longer you leave that post up, the more ridiculous it becomes.”

Thunberg’s post included demands for the “freedom of all Palestinian prisoners and hostages,” while mentioning the anguish faced by the Sumud Flotilla’s supposed hostages.

Interestingly, connections between the Sumud Flotilla and Hamas have been brought to light. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that despite claims that the fleet was civilian-operated, evidence suggests otherwise. They allege the leader, Zaher Birawi, is linked to a Palestinian conference in the UK and is regarded as overseeing the fleet’s activities focused on Gaza.

Attempts to reach Gaza have faced challenges, with one ending in Thunberg’s deportation from Israel and another resulting in detentions. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated they were attacked in international waters. Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Minister indicated that activists were deported, with reports of Thunberg landing in Athens.