Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has come under fire for mocking climate activist Greta Thunberg’s participation in a humanitarian mission aimed at breaking Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza and delivering aid.

Thunberg is part of a group, organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), that departed from Italy to deliver essential aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The mission includes other notable figures, such as Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Graham wrote, “Hope Greta and her friends can swim,” in an apparent jab at the mission’s risks.

Hope Greta and her friends can swim!https://t.co/Noab4QyJtV
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 1, 2025

His comment drew swift backlash online, with many users questioning why a sitting US senator would make such remarks about a young activist. One user asked, “Why would a US senator be threatening a young climate activist?” and, “Why is a 69-year-old US senator joking about the drowning of a 22-year-old Swedish activist? Is this where American politics is now?”

The Freedom Flotilla’s previous mission to Gaza was reportedly sabotaged by drone strikes that damaged their vessel — attacks widely suspected to have been carried out by Israel.

Despite the risks, the group remains committed to delivering much-needed aid to the besieged region and drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.