Activists participating in a flotilla aiming to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza reported that some of their boats sustained damage from drone attacks while sailing south of Greece. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that unidentified drones and communications interference targeted them during the night, causing at least 13 explosions near multiple boats and dropping unspecified objects on around 10 vessels. Although no injuries were documented, the boats suffered damage, and there were disruptions in communication.
Video footage shared on the flotilla’s social media depicted what seemed to be an explosion near one of the boats, while Greece’s Coast Guard did not receive any distress signals. The foreign ministry reiterated an offer for the flotilla to unload humanitarian aid in an Israeli port for transfer to Gaza, warning of consequences if refused. The ministry emphasized Israel’s stance on preventing vessels from entering a conflict zone and breaching the naval blockade.
Italy condemned the attack and dispatched a navy frigate for potential rescue operations, following a call for protecting peaceful protests in accordance with international law. European Union representatives emphasized upholding freedom of navigation and criticized the use of force against the flotilla. The UN Human Rights Office called for an independent investigation into the reported drone attacks and harassment of the flotilla, denouncing actions hindering aid delivery to Gaza’s suffering population.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, a participant in the flotilla, labeled the attacks as scare tactics and urged supporters to remain focused on the mission. Italian activist Simone Zambrin described ongoing drone activities targeting the boats and emphasized the determination of the flotilla despite such intimidation tactics. The flotilla, comprising vessels from various nations, carries symbolic humanitarian aid for Gazans, with Israel suggesting unloading the aid in Ashkelon for supervised transfer into Gaza.
Since departing from Spain on September 1, the flotilla encountered multiple attacks, with the convoy attempting to break the prolonged Israeli blockade of Gaza. The conflict, ongoing for nearly two years, has led to significant casualties, with the blockade exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Previous attempts to challenge the blockade have faced various obstacles, including the deadly raid on the Mavi Marmara in 2010.
The article highlights the challenges faced by activists seeking to deliver aid to Gaza amidst the Israeli blockade, emphasizing international responses condemning the use of force and calling for investigations into the recent attacks on the flotilla.