Key Points
- Flotilla organisers say at least 13 blasts, 10 boats struck by drones
- Activists report communications jamming, vow to continue mission
- Italy condemns attacks, sends navy ship to protect citizens
- Israel yet to respond; organisers cite largest convoy since 2010
ISLAMABAD: Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla said late Tuesday that their ships came under drone attacks and explosions while sailing off the Greek coast, with at least 13 blasts reported and 10 boats struck.
In a statement, flotilla organisers described the incidents as “coordinated drone strikes” and claimed communications were jammed across the convoy. The Associated Press quoted organisers saying drones or aircraft “dropped objects” on multiple boats, while one activist posted video footage showing a fiery explosion on deck.
The Guardian cited eyewitness accounts from vessels near Crete, where participants reported “multiple drones and explosions” aimed at disrupting the convoy. Organisers stated no confirmed fatalities could be reported, but some vessels have sustained damage.
Israel has not yet commented publicly on the incident. Reuters reported earlier that Israeli authorities maintain that any attempt to breach the naval blockade into Gaza will not be permitted, arguing that aid must be channelled via Israeli ports such as Ashkelon.
Italy, which has citizens aboard the flotilla, condemned the attacks and announced it was dispatching a navy ship to assist. A spokesperson for Italy’s defence ministry told Reuters that Rome “will not tolerate threats to Italian nationals in international waters” and confirmed coordination with European partners.
According to organisers, the Global Sumud Flotilla comprised over 50 vessels from 44 countries, making it the largest international maritime convoy to Gaza since 2010. Al Jazeera reported the original schedule included departures from Genoa and Barcelona in late August, with amended departures from Tunis and Sicily in early September before converging in the central Mediterranean.
This is not the first such incident. Earlier this month, flotilla activists alleged drones attacked their vessels in Tunisian waters, though Tunisia’s interior ministry denied detecting any external activity and said the fire damage appeared internal. The convoy, carrying humanitarian supplies including food and medicine, aims to challenge Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza. Organisers said they would press on despite the latest attacks, insisting the mission represented international solidarity with civilians under siege.
