Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla said their Gaza-bound humanitarian aid mission came under attack by drones late Tuesday, with explosions reported on several boats. The group said that “multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats” were part of the assault.
In a separate post, the flotilla reported drones hovering overhead every 10 minutes. It added, “We believe these drones are intended to intimidate, potentially gathering intelligence for Israel.”
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The group shared posts and videos on Instagram showing flashes and loud detonations seen from nearby vessels.
Where is the flotilla?
The flotilla says most of its 51 vessels were near the Greek island of Crete, still days from reaching Gaza.
The group set sail from Barcelona in late August to “break the illegal siege of Gaza,” organizers said. The boats are carrying food and humanitarian supplies to address the urgent hunger crisis.
Israel’s position
Israel has not commented directly on the reported attacks, but has long insisted that flotilla missions must deliver aid to Israeli ports for inspection and transfer to Gaza.
Organizers deny wrongdoing and say the Israeli blockade itself is unlawful.
Israeli officials accuse flotilla members of ties to Hamas and say any attempt to breach the naval blockade violates international law. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has even threatened to classify flotilla activists and aid workers as terrorists.
Flotilla organizers have flatly rejected the Israeli allegations, saying that they have no ties with Hamas or with any other extremist group.
Israel has blocked multiple Gaza-bound boats this year. The Conscience was halted after explosions and a fire off the coast of Malta in May. In June, the Madleen — carrying activist Greta Thunberg — was intercepted. In July, the Handala was also turned back.
International reactions
The reported attacks drew condemnation from human rights advocates and political leaders worldwide. Francesca Albanese, U.N. special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, urged protection for the flotilla, writing, “Hands off the Flotilla!”
French MEP Rima Hassan, who was on earlier missions blocked by Israel, appealed to President Emmanuel Macron, saying, “Several dozen French nationals are present on board the flotilla! These attacks must stop!”
Broader context
The confrontation comes nearly two years into the war that began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023. International monitors say widespread hunger now exists throughout Gaza, and declared an acute famine in parts of Gaza in August.
The Global Sumud Flotilla emerged from a coalition of earlier aid missions that Israel also blocked. Despite recent setbacks, the group said it will “continue to sail” toward Gaza.
