Greta Thunberg Palestine Protest Fail: Swedish Activist Used Picture Of Israeli Prisoner Tortured By Hamas In Anti-Israel Poster

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has faced renewed criticism after co-sharing an Instagram post about Palestinian prisoners that featured a photo of Evyatar David, an Israeli hostage held by Hamas. The image, taken from a video showing David in visible distress, sparked outrage from his family and others who said it was misleading and inappropriate in that context. Although the controversial slide has since disappeared from Instagram, screenshots of the post continue to circulate online, keeping the issue in public view.

The post was originally created by activist Yasmin Aker, who was aboard the Sumud flotilla to Gaza, and shared through Instagram's 'Collaboration' feature, meaning it appeared on multiple accounts. It contained several slides highlighting the treatment of Palestinian prisoners, one of which included the image of David, reportedly sourced from a Hamas video released in July. Part of the caption read: 'The suffering of Palestinian prisoners is not a matter of opinion – it is a fact of cruelty and dehumanisation.'

David's family were among the first to raise objections. His sister, Yeela David, said, 'You should make a research before you post things you don't understand about.' Critics argued that the inclusion of the image blurred the line between advocacy and misinformation. As of the latest reports, Thunberg has not commented publicly on the matter.

The Image and the Outcry

The controversy gained momentum because the image appeared to conflate two distinct experiences of suffering. Observers say this lack of clarity weakened the post's intended message and left many followers confused about who was being depicted.

Social media experts note that activism built around powerful visuals can be both effective and risky. Using sensitive imagery without proper context can distort meaning and damage credibility. Critics argue that the absence of a caption identifying David contributed to the spread of misinformation and caused unnecessary harm.

Although the slide is no longer visible on Thunberg's or other accounts, screenshots taken by users remain widely shared. The continued circulation of the image has distressed David's family, who say its reuse raises ethical concerns about consent and the handling of photos showing hostages or victims of abuse.

Misattribution and Responsibility

The episode underscores the pitfalls of online collaboration, where shared posts can spread quickly before being fully verified. Prominent figures such as Thunberg face heightened scrutiny when amplifying material produced by others, particularly in conflicts as politically charged as the war between Israel and Hamas.

It also raises questions about accountability in digital campaigning. While social platforms allow activists to reach millions instantly, even minor lapses in verification can have far-reaching reputational consequences. Once an image circulates online, it can be reshared indefinitely, often detached from its original meaning. The reaction to Thunberg's post quickly expanded beyond social media, drawing responses from journalists, politicians and human rights commentators.

The Broader Lessons for Online Activism

For Thunberg, the incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with global influence. For other campaigners, it highlights the need for precision, transparency and care when posting content related to humanitarian crises.

The case has reignited discussion about ethics in activism and the dangers of using real-world suffering to illustrate political messages. In a digital environment where advocacy often moves faster than verification, Thunberg's experience shows that the way a message is presented can be as significant as the cause it seeks to promote.