A drone-shot screenshot shows people assembling at a Greek port before two vessels involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla depart on September 14. Giorgos Solaris/Reuters
As highlighted by CNN
Italy said that on Wednesday it dispatched one of the previously planned military ships to support the flotilla delivering humanitarian aid, which had been attacked by drones while trying to reach Gaza; activists claim that the strikes were carried out by Israel.
The humanitarian initiative Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which operates to deliver aid to the besieged enclave via ships from ports in the Mediterranean, reports drone attacks on several of its ships. The organization says these actions are part of a single, systematic pressure by Israel.
CNN reached out for comment to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
The ships were just a few days from approaching the enclave when the latest incidents were recorded on Tuesday.
In the final days before approaching Gaza, GSF is experiencing a dangerously escalating situation: several boats report targeted explosions and the falling of unknown objects on board or near vessels, causing significant damage and severely hindering communications.
The incident raises unbearable concern about the safety of more than 500 unarmed flotilla participants, GSF said.
On board the ships are citizens from various countries, including Italy, Sweden, and Spain, CNN reports.
From one of the ships a Spanish deputy urged international action in support of the activists.
«I think this should escalate further and go all the way to the European Commission, because this needs to be resolved by coordinating with all countries, at least in Europe»
Borderа added that flotilla participants were “tense” and living through a “strange, crazy nightmare” amid Tuesday’s explosions.
On Tuesday the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on X that the country would take “necessary measures” to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza. The ministry also expressed readiness to transfer aid from the flotilla to Gaza via the Ashkelon port, but accused the flotilla organizers of refusing such transfer and “the ensuing course of violence.”
«If the flotilla continues to reject Israel’s peaceful offer, Israel will take the necessary measures to prevent its entry into the combat zone and to stop any breach of the lawful maritime blockade, while making every effort to ensure passenger safety»
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, wrote on X that the flotilla has been attacked 14 times between Tunisia and Crete. “Now four ships are damaged and in urgent need of repair. Last night one of the boats left an unexploded device,” she noted.
«Now four ships are damaged and in urgent need of repair. Last night one of the boats left an unexploded device»
A spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Thamin Al-Hitan, urged an independent, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the reported attacks.
Italy confirmed the dispatch of an Italian military ship, which, according to Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, is heading to the area of operations in case of rescue. The statement also noted that the drone attack was carried out by “out-of-time unknown perpetrators.”
«To ensure their safety, the Foreign Ministry has already informed Israeli authorities that any operation entrusted to the Israeli armed forces should be conducted in accordance with international law and the principle of utmost caution»
At the same time, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said developments are being tracked very closely, noting that about 15 Swedish citizens are on board the ships.
In May, activists on board one of the aid ships claimed they were struck by an Israeli drone in international waters near Malta. The IDF did not deny involvement in the attack. An Israeli cargo plane was spotted on flight trackers, which circled for a long time over the waters near Malta before the attack.
Useful reading:
- Humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza attacked by drones, with Polish MP Franciszek Sterczewski aboard. The mission aims to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid despite ongoing security threats.
- Israel threatens to dismantle Palestinian authority after UK, Canada, and Australia recognize Palestine, escalating regional tensions and diplomatic challenges.
- Swedish activist Greta Thunberg reports a drone strike on a humanitarian ship near Tunisia en route to Gaza, amid conflicting official statements. The Global Sumud Flotilla aims to break the Gaza blockade and deliver aid despite ongoing tensions.
