Swedish activist Greta Thunberg sparked widespread criticism on October 7, 2025, by sharing a social media post that included an image of emaciated Israeli hostage Evyatar David while protesting the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention. The post, created with pro-Palestinian groups, aimed to highlight alleged cruelty but drew outrage for using a photo from a Hamas propaganda video, leading the hostage’s sister to call it embarrassing and misguided.
The Post That Ignited Controversy
Thunberg posted the graphic on her social media accounts, focusing on what she described as the suffering of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. The content included statistics on detention conditions and calls for justice without borders.
One section of the post featured a small image of Evyatar David, captured from a video released by Hamas in August 2025. In the clip, David appears thin and describes harsh captivity in a Gaza tunnel.
The activist wrote that humanity must address cruelty everywhere, but many saw the inclusion of David’s photo as a mix up or intentional slight. Critics pointed out the irony of using a hostage’s image to discuss prisoners, especially since David remains held by Hamas.
This came just a day after Thunberg’s deportation from Israel for joining a flotilla trying to break the Gaza blockade. Reports from that event detailed claims of rough treatment during her brief detention, including insufficient food and unsanitary cells.
Family’s Strong Response
Evyatar David’s sister publicly slammed the post as embarrassing and hurtful. She argued it twisted her brother’s suffering to make a point about Palestinian detainees, ignoring the context of his kidnapping by Hamas.
In a statement, she said the family has endured months of pain since David’s capture during the October 7, 2023, attacks that killed over 1,200 people and led to more than 250 hostages taken. As of October 2025, around 100 hostages, including David, are still believed to be in Gaza, with many feared dead.
The sister urged Thunberg to remove the image and focus on real solutions for all victims in the conflict. This response quickly spread online, amplifying the backlash.
Supporters of the family noted that David’s video was meant as propaganda by Hamas to pressure Israel, not to highlight prisoner rights.
Thunberg’s History of Activism on Palestine
Thunberg has ramped up her pro-Palestinian stance in recent years, often linking it to her climate work. In 2024, she joined student encampments in Europe protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza, facing arrests and police warnings.
Her recent flotilla involvement led to detention by Israeli forces, where activists claimed mistreatment like being dragged and forced to pose with flags. Thunberg arrived in Greece after deportation, greeted by cheering crowds but also facing scrutiny.
She has posted about Palestinian prisoners before, including calls for releases during global events like COP27 in 2022. In one 2023 message, she demanded an end to violence in Gaza, citing high death rates among children.
- Key themes in Thunberg’s Palestine posts:
- Demands for ceasefire and end to occupation.
- Solidarity with student protests worldwide.
- Criticism of silence on human rights abuses.
These actions have made her a polarizing figure, praised by some for boldness and criticized by others for one sided views.
Experts say her shift from climate to geopolitical issues reflects a broader trend among young activists connecting global injustices.
Broader Context of Detentions and Hostages
The Israel Palestine conflict continues to fuel debates on prisoner treatment. Israel holds thousands of Palestinians, many in administrative detention without charges, amid claims of abuse from rights groups.
On the other side, Hamas and other groups hold Israeli civilians and soldiers captive in Gaza, with conditions reported as dire, including lack of medical care and food.
Recent events include ongoing cease fire talks stalled in 2025, with mediators like the US and Egypt pushing for hostage releases in exchange for prisoners. As of October 2025, over 35,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since 2023, per health officials, while Israel reports military gains against Hamas.
| Aspect | Palestinian Prisoners in Israel | Israeli Hostages in Gaza |
|---|---|---|
| Number | About 9,000 as of 2025 | Around 100 remaining |
| Common Issues | Alleged torture, poor conditions | Malnutrition, isolation |
| International Response | UN calls for investigations | Global campaigns for release |
| Recent Developments | Hunger strikes in prisons | Propaganda videos released |
This table shows parallels but also key differences in the two situations, highlighting why mixing them in one post caused uproar.
Logical reasoning suggests Thunberg’s post aimed to draw empathy but overlooked sensitivities around hostages, potentially alienating moderate voices.
Public Reactions and Social Media Storm
Online responses poured in fast, with hashtags like #ThunbergMistake trending. Some defended her intent to spotlight injustice, while others accused her of antisemitism or poor judgment.
Pro Israel users mocked the error, sharing memes of the post. Palestinian supporters argued it showed the shared humanity in suffering.
Media outlets covered the story widely, linking it to Thunberg’s deportation and the flotilla’s failure. Commentators noted how social media amplifies such gaffes, turning them into global news.
In a related event, activists in Turkey welcomed back flotilla members, alleging Israeli mistreatment, which added fuel to the debate.
The controversy underscores the challenges of advocating in a divided conflict, where images carry heavy emotional weight.
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