Lindsey Graham issues threat to Greta Thunberg and Gaza Freedom Flotilla

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham threatened Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and others setting out on a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating, “I hope Greta and her friends can swim!”

The “Madleen,” a new vessel of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, has departed from the port of Catania, Italy.

Before its departure, numerous people gathered at the port, waving Palestinian flags to support those on board.

Twelve individuals are on the sailboat, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Irish actor Liam Cunningham.

According to reports in the Italian media, Thunberg described their endeavor as “a civilian mission symbolically aiming to break the blockade” in a statement before leaving port.

Thunberg stated, “If a shred of humanity remains, we must fight for Palestine and for a free Palestine. I am here because it is a necessity.”

‘The world’s silence is far more dangerous’

Wearing a black t-shirt inscribed with “Free Palestine” and a keffiyeh, Thunberg declared, “This mission concerns the Palestinians who, after decades of suffocating oppression, have been systematically starved, ethnically cleansed, and subjected to genocide by Israel. This is occurring with the support of our governments, institutions, corporations, and media. The danger of this mission is irrelevant. The silence of the entire world in the face of genocide is far more dangerous.”

In a statement about the “Madleen’s” mission, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said, “Madleen is sailing for Gaza, carrying powdered milk, medical supplies, and other vital aid. It aims to reach Palestinian waters by transiting European territorial waters and then exclusively through international waters. This unarmed and non-violent journey fully complies with international law. Any attack or interference would constitute a deliberate and unlawful act against civilians.”

Reports in the Italian media suggest the “Madleen” is expected to reach the Gaza coast in approximately one week. However, there is a risk it could be intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces, similar to the interception of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s vessel “Conscience” last month.

Meanwhile, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, quoting a news report about the “Madleen’s” departure on his X account, wrote, “I hope Greata and her friends know how to swim!”

‘Conscience’ vessel attacked by UAV

On May 2, at 00:23 local time, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) aid ship was attacked by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The FFC, formed by campaigns and initiatives worldwide to end Israel’s attacks on Gaza, had kept the ship’s movements confidential due to potential threats.

The attack on the coalition’s aid ship breached its hull and ignited a fire at its bow.

The Times of Malta reported on May 2 that an Israeli C-130 military transport plane had circled Malta for three hours before the UAV attack on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship.

Israeli state television KAN confirmed an Israeli military transport plane flew towards Malta hours before the attack on the aid vessel in international waters near the island. However, KAN also stated this plane returned to its airbase in southern Israel hours prior to the UAV attack on the “Conscience.”