Overview

• Greta Thunberg departed Italy on June 1 aboard the Madleen as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s humanitarian mission to Gaza.
• Senator Lindsey Graham posted “Hope Greta and her friends can swim!” on X, a message widely seen as advocating violence against the civilian convoy.
• Critics ranging from journalists to activists condemned Graham’s remark as unacceptable for a U.S. senator and likened it to a direct threat.
• The Freedom Flotilla Coalition routinely enters Israeli-controlled waters to challenge the blockade and deliver food and medical aid to Palestinians.
• Participants recall a flotilla that was bombed in early May, underscoring the heightened danger facing this aid expedition.