Activists Claim Gaza Aid Flotilla Attacked by ‘Multiple Drones’

Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists reported on Tuesday night that explosions were heard and multiple drones targeted several of their vessels off the coast of Greece.

“Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,” said the Global Sumud Flotilla in a statement, without providing details on casualties.

“We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated,” the statement added.

German human rights activist and flotilla member Yasemin Acar posted on Instagram that five vessels had been attacked.

“We are carrying only humanitarian aid,” she said. “We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people (and) starving a whole population.”

In an earlier video, Acar reported seeing 15 to 16 drones and said their radios had been jammed, with loud music playing simultaneously.

Video footage from the flotilla’s official Instagram account showed an explosion aboard the Spectre boat at 01:43 GMT +3.

Brazilian activist Thiago Avila also reported that four boats were “targeted with drones throwing devices” just before another explosion occurred in the background.

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Barcelona earlier this month with the aim of breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid.

The flotilla had previously faced drone attacks in Tunisia while anchored before resuming its journey toward Gaza.

Israel has stated that it will not allow the boats to reach Gaza, having previously blocked two similar attempts in June and July.

The flotilla’s mission comes amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s military operations have drawn international criticism.

• Famine Declared: Last month, a UN-backed body officially declared famine in parts of Gaza.
• Accusations of Genocide: On 16 September, UN investigators accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza, nearly two years after the conflict escalated following Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack on Israel.

The flotilla highlights the growing international tension over Gaza, with activists pressing to provide aid in the face of military blockades and escalating humanitarian need.