Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla reported that some of their boats sustained damage from drones while sailing south of Greece. The flotilla stated they were targeted by unidentified drones and experienced communications interference, with multiple explosions heard around several boats and objects dropped on at least 10 vessels. While no injuries were reported, the ships suffered damage, and communication disruptions occurred.
A video shared on the flotilla’s social media depicted what seemed to be an explosion near one of the boats. The Greece Coast Guard did not receive any distress signals, and the Israeli military did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
Italy condemned the attack and dispatched a navy frigate, Fasan, for potential rescue operations near the affected area. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto mentioned that the frigate was en route to provide assistance and that Israel had been informed of this decision.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had previously warned Israel to respect the rights of Italian activists participating in the flotilla. Tajani stated that he had personally spoken with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar about the matter, emphasizing the importance of protecting peaceful demonstrations carried out in accordance with international law.
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, onboard one of the flotilla boats, labeled the drone strikes as a “scare tactic” and urged supporters to remain focused on Gaza. She emphasized that while the fleet’s vessels were damaged, their mission would persist despite the risks posed by such attacks.
Simone Zambrin, an Italian activist part of the flotilla, reported that drones had been hovering over them for days and caused damage to their boats and crew. The flotilla, consisting of numerous boats from various countries, is transporting symbolic humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, for Gaza residents.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the organizers of having ties to Hamas and suggested unloading the aid in Ashkelon for transfer into Gaza. They reiterated their stance on not allowing vessels into conflict zones and urged the activists to cooperate for a peaceful aid transfer.
Since departing from Spain on September 1, the flotilla has encountered several attacks, including incidents in Tunisian waters. This mission is considered the largest attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has persisted for 18 years. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, with Gaza City facing severe famine conditions.
Previous incidents involving activists challenging the Gaza blockade include an attack on a vessel off Malta and a failed overland convoy through North Africa. The tragic 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara, a boat in a similar mission, resulted in the death of 10 Turkish activists by Israeli commandos.