Human rights groups claim Gaza-bound flotilla was targeted by multiple drone strikes amid Israel’s blockade
A Gaza aid flotilla carrying humanitarian supplies and pro-Palestinian activists has reportedly come under attack by multiple drones off the coast of Greece. Organizers from the Global Sumud Flotilla said they heard explosions, saw drones overhead, and experienced communications jamming during the incident late Tuesday.
“Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,” the group said in a statement. “We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, but we will not be intimidated.”
Activists Report Drone Strikes
German human rights activist Yasemin Acar, who is aboard the flotilla, shared a video on Instagram claiming that five vessels were attacked. “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.
In another video, Acar reported seeing “15 to 16 drones” and described how their radios had been jammed while loud music was blasted over their communications.
Other activists posted footage of an explosion on the Spectre boat at 01:43 GMT +3, while Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said four boats had been “targeted with drones throwing devices” just moments before another explosion was heard in the background.
Flotilla Aims to Break Gaza Blockade
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the goal of breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering urgently needed aid. The convoy includes 51 vessels, most of which are now positioned off the Greek island of Crete.
The flotilla has already faced two suspected drone attacks in Tunisia earlier in its voyage. Among its high-profile members is climate activist Greta Thunberg, who joined the mission in solidarity with Palestinians.
Israel has repeatedly vowed to block such missions. On Monday, it said it would not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza. Two previous attempts to break the blockade by sea — in June and July — were stopped by Israeli forces.
War in Gaza Sparks Global Outcry
The reported attack comes as international pressure mounts on Israel over its ongoing war in Gaza, which has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Last month, a UN-backed body formally declared famine in parts of Gaza, while UN investigators accused Israel of committing genocide nearly two years after the conflict began, following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
With the Gaza war now in its second year, the fate of the flotilla remains uncertain — but organizers insist their mission will continue.