World
Activists Face Drone Attacks as Flotilla Heads to Gaza

In a significant development, Spain and Italy have dispatched navy ships to assist the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is currently navigating towards Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade. This move comes after activists reported drone attacks and communications jamming incidents near Greece, raising serious concerns about the safety of the flotilla.
The Global Sumud Flotilla announced on Wednesday that it had been targeted by drones, resulting in several explosions near some of its vessels. While there were no injuries reported, the attacks caused damage to the boats involved. The flotilla comprises 52 predominantly small vessels carrying humanitarian supplies, including food and medicine, to alleviate the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with international agencies declaring famine in the territory’s largest city. Activists hope their efforts will draw attention to the plight of residents impacted by the ongoing conflict. The blockade, which has been in place for 18 years, is viewed by Israel as a necessary measure to prevent Hamas from procuring weapons. In contrast, critics argue it constitutes collective punishment against civilians.
The flotilla set sail from Spain on September 1, 2023, and has since welcomed additional boats from various nations. Among the notable participants are climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, alongside members of Italy’s parliament and the European Parliament. Organizers claim that representatives from 46 countries are involved, including military veterans, medical professionals, and clergy.
As of Thursday, the flotilla was reported to be navigating south of the Greek island of Crete, with plans to reach the Gaza area within a week. Reports indicate that the vessels have faced drone attacks on multiple occasions, including incidents off the coast of Tunisia and near Greece. The latest attack involved unidentified drones, resulting in at least 13 explosions on and around the participating boats.
The Israeli military has not commented on the drone attacks, but the Israeli Foreign Ministry has accused the flotilla organizers of links to Hamas, a claim that the activists have firmly rejected. Israel has insisted that any humanitarian aid must be unloaded at the Israeli port of Ashkelon to be transported into Gaza, stating, “Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not permit the breach of a lawful naval blockade.”
In light of these developments, both Spain and Italy are taking proactive measures. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for compliance with international law and the right to safe navigation in the Mediterranean. Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto condemned the drone attack on civilian boats, labeling such actions as “totally unacceptable.” He informed parliament that Italian naval vessels, including the frigate Fasan and the Alpino, were on standby for potential rescue operations.
Crosetto further suggested that the flotilla offload its humanitarian supplies in Cyprus, where they could be safely transferred to Gaza without risking hostile actions from Israel. He expressed concern for the safety of the flotilla as it enters the waters of another state, warning that such actions could be interpreted by Israel as a hostile act.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for an investigation into the drone attacks, while the European Union has voiced concerns regarding the potential use of force against the flotilla. “The freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld,” stated Eva Hrncirova, a spokesperson for the European Commission.
Activism aimed at breaking Israel’s maritime blockade is not a new phenomenon. Previous attempts have faced violence, with a notable incident in 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of nine Turkish citizens.
As the conflict in the region escalates, marked by the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas militants that claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people in Israel, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 65,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, although the exact number of civilian casualties remains unclear.
The Global Sumud Flotilla’s mission underscores the ongoing international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, even as tensions rise in the region.
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