Sen. Lindsey Graham Criticizes Greta Thunberg Aboard Gaza Freedom Flotilla

Senator Lindsey Graham has sparked controversy by tweeting "Hope Greta and her friends can swim" in response to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg joining a humanitarian aid mission aboard the Madleen vessel aiming to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, seeks to deliver aid and raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which Israel maintains is necessary to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons. Critics condemned Graham's comment as inciting violence against civilians and called it a disturbing endorsement of blocking aid to Gaza, a measure some experts consider a war crime. Thunberg has acknowledged the mission's danger but argues it is less severe than global silence regarding the situation in Gaza. The flotilla follows a prior attempt that was allegedly attacked by drones near Malta, an incident blamed on Israel, which has denied involvement. The aid effort continues amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, with Israel demanding Hamas release hostages and disarm as conditions for stopping the offensive.