Activists participating in a flotilla searching for to interrupt the Israeli blockade of Gaza mentioned Wednesday that a few of their boats had been attacked by drones in a single day whereas crusing south of Greece.
The World Sumud Flotilla mentioned it was attacked throughout the night time by “unidentified drones and communications jamming.” It mentioned that “at least 13 explosions” had been heard on and round a number of flotilla boats, whereas drones or plane dropped “unidentified objects” on a minimum of 10 boats.
No casualties had been reported however there was harm to the vessels and “widespread obstruction in communications,” it added. Activists posted a short video displaying what gave the impression to be an explosion on or close to one of many vessels.
Greece’s coast guard didn’t report any misery calls.
The Israeli navy didn’t instantly reply to questions concerning the assault.
The World Sumud Flotilla units sail from Barcelona in the direction of Gaza, in Barcelona, Spain, on Aug. 31, 2025. Activist Greta Thunberg was amongst the passengers on board.
Lorena Sopena/NurPhoto through Getty Photos
The flotilla, which organizers say consists of about 50 vessels and members from dozens of nations, is carrying humanitarian support, together with meals and drugs, for Palestinians in Gaza.
The Israeli Overseas Ministry has accused organizers of being linked to Hamas, an accusation organizers reject. Israel has proposed that the activists unload their support within the Israeli port of Ashkelon for it to be transported into Gaza, saying it is not going to settle for any breach of its blockade.
Italy condemned the assault and activated a navy frigate to be available for potential rescue operations, Italian Protection Minister Guido Crosetto mentioned. Crosetto mentioned the Italian Navy’s frigate Fasan, which was crusing north of Crete, was “already heading towards the area for possible rescue operations.” Italy has knowledgeable Israel concerning the choice.
“In a democracy, demonstrations and forms of protest must also be protected when they are carried out in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence,” Crosetto mentioned.
Overseas Minister Antonio Tajani instructed lawmakers earlier this month he had personally known as Israeli Overseas Minister Gideon Saar to induce Israel to respect the rights of Italian activists taking part within the flotilla.
Tajani mentioned on the time that 58 Italians had been within the flotilla, together with some lawmakers.
The European Union additionally warned towards any use of power.
“The freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld,” mentioned Eva Hrncirova, a European Fee spokesperson.
UN Human Rights Workplace spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan known as for an investigation, saying “attacks and threats against those trying to deliver aid to and support the hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza who are suffering famine and starvation defy belief.”
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who’s on board one of many boats, known as the strikes a “scare tactic” and implored the flotilla’s supporters to remain targeted on Gaza slightly than on the activists.
“We were aware of the risks of these kind of attacks and that’s not something that’s going to stop us,” Thunberg mentioned on a livestream. “The most important thing isn’t that we were hit by drones. Drones are something that Palestinians experience 24-7.”
Italian activist Simone Zambrin mentioned drones “have been flying over our heads for days now” and on Wednesday “dropped devices at our boats, damaging both the sails and the hearing of some of our crew members.”
She mentioned Israel was making an attempt “to instill fear because it is afraid of our arrival.”
Greg Stoker, an American activist on board one of many boats, mentioned in a social media put up that the vessel’s radio communications additionally suffered interference, with the jammers enjoying an ABBA track over the radio channel the flotilla was utilizing.
The flotilla has reported a number of assaults because it set sail from Spain on Sept. 1, together with two whereas a few of its boats had been in Tunisian waters.
Activists say it’s the most important try to date to interrupt the Israeli maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has now lasted 18 years, lengthy predating the present conflict in Gaza. Israel says the blockade is required to forestall Hamas from importing arms, whereas critics take into account it collective punishment.
The virtually two-year conflict has killed greater than 65,000 Palestinians, in response to Gaza’s Hamas-run well being ministry. The ministry doesn’t say what number of had been civilians or combatants, however says round half had been girls and youngsters.
The world’s main authority on starvation crises mentioned final month that Israel’s blockade and ongoing offensive had already pushed Gaza Metropolis into famine. Greater than 300,000 folks have fled the town in latest weeks as Israel has ordered the inhabitants to maneuver south, however an estimated 700,000 stay, in response to U.N. companies and support teams.
The conflict started on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel and killed 1,200 folks, most of them civilians, and took 251 others hostage. Israel says its operation in Gaza is geared toward pressuring Hamas to give up and return the remaining 48 hostages, about 20 of whom Israel believes are nonetheless alive. A lot of the relaxation had been launched in ceasefires or different offers.
Activists have launched a number of flotillas geared toward breaking the blockade through the years, and practically all of them intercepted by Israeli forces. The crew of one other vessel mentioned they had been attacked by drones in Could in worldwide waters off Malta. An overland convoy touring throughout North Africa additionally tried to succeed in Egypt’s border with the Gaza Strip, however was blocked by safety forces aligned with Egypt in japanese Libya.
In 2010, Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, a ship taking part in an support flotilla making an attempt to breach the maritime blockade of Gaza, killing 10 Turkish activists in clashes on board.
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