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By Sonam Sheth
Evening Politics Editor
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President Donald Trump responded on Monday to Swedish activist Greta Thunberg's claim that she was "kidnapped" by Israel while she and other pro-Palestinian advocates were on an aid boat bound for Gaza.
The Context
After the Israeli military intercepted the civilian vessel in international waters, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which operated the boat, released a prerecorded video from Thunberg.
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"If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel," the climate activist said in the clip.
What To Know
Trump was asked on Monday about whether he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Thunberg during a phone call they had earlier that day.
"Well, [Thunberg is] a strange person," Trump said. "She's a young, angry person. I don't know if it's real anger; it's hard to believe, actually. But I saw what happened. She's certainly different. Anger management. I think she has to go to an angry management class. That's my primary recommendation for her."
Trump was also asked about Thunberg's claim that she had been kidnapped.
"I find it—I think Israel has enough problems without kidnapping Greta Thunberg," Trump said. "Is that what she said? She was kidnapped by Israel?"
"Yes, sir," the reporter said, to which Trump responded by shaking his head.
...
The FFC boat, Madleen, departed Sicily on June 1 with the goal of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said early Monday morning that Israeli forces had boarded the vessel, redirected it to Israel's Ashdod Port and detained its passengers, who will be returned to their countries of origin.
Israeli officials cited the country's long-standing naval blockade of Gaza, which is experiencing a humanitarian crisis amid Israel's continued offensive, in diverting the boat.
The Gaza blockade has been in place since June 2007, when Hamas took control of the region, but it was tightened after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostage. Over 54,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Associated Press, citing Gaza's Health Ministry.
FFC organizers said that Israel's interception of the civilian vessel violated international law and accused Israeli forces of confiscating aid supplies, including food, baby formula and medical kits.
In addition to Thunberg, the boat was also carrying Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament; Al Jazeera presenter Omar Faiad; journalist Yanis Mhamdi; and FFC organizers Yasemin Acar and Thiago Ávila.
Thunberg and pro-Palestinian activists have accused the Israeli government of carrying out a "genocide" of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the October 7 attacks and of sabotaging global efforts to send humanitarian assistance to the war-torn region. Israel has vehemently denied the allegations.
What People Are Saying
Israel's Foreign Ministry, on X (formerly Twitter): "All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over."
Greta Thunberg said in a video on Instagram: "I'm here because the world cannot be silent bystanders when there is a livestream genocide going on. Everyone who has the opportunity to do something has a moral duty to do so. So that's why we have to keep trying to stand in solidarity with you."
What Happens Next
The activists are expected to be repatriated to their home countries in the coming days. Israeli authorities have said the aid onboard the Madleen will be transferred through established channels.
Update 6/9/25, 4:45 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 6/9/25, 5:48 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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