Netanyahu's Drone Attacks on Gaza-Bound Aid Boats

Benjamin Netanyahu, born on October 21, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a prominent Israeli politician and diplomat who has served as Prime Minister of Israel three times (1996–1999, 2009–2021, and from 2022 onwards). He began his career in the Israeli military's special operations and later transitioned into politics in the late 1980s, joining the Likud party[1][2]. Netanyahu first became prime minister in 1996, during which time he signed the Hebron and Wye Accords, advancing peace efforts with the Palestinians. His administration focused on economic reforms such as government privatization, liberalizing currency regulations, and reducing deficits. After losing the 1999 election, he served as foreign minister and finance minister before reclaiming the Likud leadership in 2005[1][3][4]. Returning as prime minister in 2009, Netanyahu formed a national unity government and proposed a demilitarized Palestinian state recognizing Israel as the Jewish state, emphasizing security concerns. His tenure was marked by fluctuating peace negotiations with the Palestinians and contentious policies including settlement expansions. He also maintained a hawkish stance on Iran and supported the Iraq war[1][3][5]. In 2022, Netanyahu made a political comeback as prime minister, leading a coalition that included far-right parties. His leadership during this period has been pivotal amid the 2023–2024 Israel-Hamas conflict, with significant domestic and international implications[2]. Netanyahu is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister and remains a central figure in Israeli politics, known for his strong security policies, economic reforms, and complex role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His career has been marked by both political resilience and controversy, reflecting his enduring influence on Israel’s domestic and foreign affairs[2][3][5].

Greta Tintin Eleonora Ernman Thunberg, born January 3, 2003, in Stockholm, Sweden, is a Swedish environmental activist renowned for her leadership in the global movement to combat climate change. She rose to international prominence in 2018 when, at age 15, she began striking from school every Friday to protest outside the Swedish Parliament, demanding stronger climate action. This initiative sparked the worldwide "Fridays for Future" movement, inspiring millions of young people to engage in climate activism globally. Thunberg’s activism focuses on urging governments and leaders to take urgent and meaningful steps to reduce carbon emissions and adhere strictly to the Paris Agreement goals. Her direct and science-based approach has made her a prominent figure addressing international forums, including the United Nations. She has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize consecutively from 2019 to 2023. Raised in an artistic family—her mother is opera singer Malena Ernman and her father actor Svante Thunberg—Greta was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, which she has described as her "superpower" for its role in her focused activism. From a young age, she adopted a vegan lifestyle and sought to reduce her carbon footprint by influencing her family’s choices, such as avoiding air travel. Beyond climate change, Thunberg has expanded her advocacy to include human rights and global justice issues, voicing support for causes like Ukraine and Palestine. In 2025, she participated in humanitarian efforts, including joining flotillas to the Gaza Strip. Thunberg’s influence, often called the "Greta effect," has significantly shaped public discourse on climate change and youth engagement worldwide, earning her numerous honors including Time magazine’s Person of the Year in 2019[1][3][4][6].