Humanitarian Flotilla Attacked by Drones While Heading to Gaza
Drones, Explosions Reported as Humanitarian Flotilla Faces Attacks at Sea
A convoy of humanitarian ships heading to Gaza has reported multiple attacks, including drone flyovers, unexplained objects being dropped, disrupted communications, and explosions on several vessels, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla. The group did not provide details on any casualties.
“We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, but we will not be intimidated,” the flotilla said in a statement.
German human rights activist and flotilla member Yasemin Acar described the attacks in an Instagram video, saying five ships had been targeted. “We are carrying only humanitarian aid. We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people and starving a whole population,” she said.
Earlier, Acar reported that activists had spotted 15 to 16 drones and experienced radio jamming accompanied by loud music.
Video footage shared on the flotilla’s official Instagram page showed an explosion from the vessel Spectre at 01:43 GMT+3. In another video, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said four boats had been “targeted with drones throwing devices” just before another explosion occurred nearby.
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona earlier this month, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver aid to the territory. It now consists of 51 vessels, most of them located near the Greek island of Crete.
The flotilla had previously faced two suspected drone attacks while anchored in Tunisia, before continuing its journey toward Gaza. Among its prominent participants is environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
Israel has stated that it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza, having already blocked two earlier attempts by activists in June and July.
The flotilla’s mission comes amid mounting international concern over Israel’s war in Gaza, which has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Last month, a UN-backed body officially declared famine in parts of Gaza, and UN investigators accused Israel of committing “genocide” in the territory on September 16, nearly two years after the conflict began.
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