Washington, DC [US], October 7 (ANI): US President Donald Trump criticised climate activist Greta Thunberg, claiming she has an “anger management problem” and should “see a doctor.” His remarks came after Thunberg was detained and deported by Israel for participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.
Trump described Thunberg as a “troublemaker” and expressed surprise at her “anger” despite her young age. “She (Greta Thunberg) is just a troublemaker… she’s no longer into the environment now. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor. Have you ever watched her? She’s so angry, she’s so crazy… She’s just a troublemaker,” Trump said.
According to Al Jazeera, the Swedish activist arrived in Greece along with 160 other campaigners from the flotilla after being deported by Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that it had expelled 171 activists from the flotilla’s ships, which were intercepted last week while attempting to bring aid to Gaza. This brought the total number of deportations to 341, the report added.
Israeli forces intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla on Friday as its more than 40 boats attempted to breach the naval blockade on Gaza. Around 450 people were detained, including Thunberg, four French lawmakers, and several other international activists, TPS reported.
Israel asserted that the boats carried no humanitarian aid and accused participants of seeking confrontation rather than delivering relief supplies. “Their true goal was provocation in the service of Hamas,” the Foreign Ministry stated. Documents released by Israel also alleged direct Hamas involvement in organising and financing the flotilla.
The ministry further rejected reports that Thunberg and other detained activists were mistreated, calling such claims “brazen lies.” It insisted that “all the detainees’ legal rights are fully upheld.”
Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007, citing the need to prevent weapons smuggling. Over the years, Palestinian and international activists have periodically launched flotillas to challenge these restrictions.
In 2011, a UN inquiry into the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident criticised Israel’s use of excessive force but upheld the legality of the blockade, according to TPS.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to claim lives. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border. Of the 48 remaining hostages, about 20 are believed to be alive.
Commenting on efforts to secure peace in Gaza, Trump acknowledged the contributions of several Middle Eastern countries. “Qatar has been very, very helpful… Turkey has likewise been helpful… The UAE, Saudi Arabia, everybody has been helpful. I just spoke with the King of Jordan, and he’s been terrific too,” Trump said.
Delegations from Hamas, Israel, and the United States are scheduled to meet in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday for indirect negotiations over Trump’s 20-point proposal to end the Gaza war, Al Jazeera reported.
The discussions, coinciding with the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks, have raised cautious optimism that the prolonged conflict—which has killed tens of thousands in Gaza—might finally move toward resolution. (ANI)
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