UN Calls for Investigation Following Drone ‘Attack’ on Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla

The United Nations on Wednesday called for an investigation into alleged drone attacks against a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, prompting Italy and Spain to dispatch naval vessels for protection.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying activists including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg, reported more than a dozen explosions around its ships off Greece late on Tuesday, blaming Israel for the incident.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan emphasised that those responsible for the “violations” must be held accountable and called for an “independent, impartial and thorough investigation.”

Flotilla Background

The flotilla set sail with the aim of alleviating starvation and humanitarian crises in Gaza, where the UN reports civilians are suffering under Israel’s military offensive.

Israel, which blocked two previous activist attempts to reach Gaza in June and July, stated it would not allow the flotilla to enter Palestinian territory.

“If their intentions are sincere, they should transfer any such aid to the nearby Ashkelon Marina so it can be forwarded promptly to the Gaza Strip in a non-violent manner,” said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein.

The ministry later clarified on X that the flotilla could unload aid at any port in a nearby country outside Israel for transfer to Gaza.

The flotilla organisers accused Israel of endangering over 500 unarmed civilians, while Thunberg described the alleged attacks as a “scare tactic” that will not stop their mission.

“We are sailing peacefully in international waters. We are not carrying weapons. We are carrying food, baby formula, medical supplies, and water,” she told the flotilla’s Instagram account.

Activists reported damage from unidentified objects dropped on deck and accused Israel of deploying explosive and incendiary devices and dispersing chemical substances onto civilian vessels.

In response, Italy dispatched a frigate already stationed in the eastern Mediterranean to protect the flotilla, which includes Italian activists and members of parliament.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the drone attacks but criticised the flotilla as a “dangerous, irresponsible initiative”, stating the aid could have been delivered swiftly by her government.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain would send a naval ship on Thursday “to ensure that, if necessary, our citizens can be rescued”, adding: “Spain will, of course, protect its nationals, and we will do so both diplomatically and politically.”

The Greek coastguard confirmed that a Frontex patrol boat had been directed to the area after a threat was reported to a Polish-flagged vessel, though the crew declined assistance.

European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova stated:

“No attacks, no drone strikes, no seizures or any use of force against the flotilla is acceptable. Freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld.”

The Sumud Flotilla operates independently and is not linked to any government or political party. The term Sumud means “resilience” in Arabic.

Israel has escalated its air and ground offensive on Gaza City to target Hamas, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, Israeli operations over nearly two years have killed at least 65,419 Palestinians, mostly civilians, figures the UN considers reliable.

The conflict began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to AFP tallies based on Israeli data.