Gaza Flotilla Targeted by Drones Off Greece

Athens, Greece – Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists reported that multiple vessels were targeted by drones late Tuesday off the coast of Greece.

The Global Sumud Flotilla said more than a dozen explosions were heard around the fleet, with damage caused by "unidentified objects" dropped on deck. Polish lawmaker Franek Sterczewski, who is aboard one of the vessels, said 13 attacks struck 10 vessels, leaving three damaged.

German human rights activist Yasemin Acar confirmed in a video posted on Instagram that five vessels had been attacked. “We are carrying only humanitarian aid,” she said. “We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people (and) starving a whole population.”

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Acar added that activists had observed 15 to 16 drones and reported radio jamming accompanied by loud music. Videos posted on the flotilla’s official Instagram page showed explosions from the vessel Spectre at 0143 GMT, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said four boats were “targeted with drones throwing devices” before another blast.

The Greek coastguard told that a Frontex patrol vessel had approached one vessel after 2:30 am local time but reported no damage. “The sailboat was fine. Those on board mentioned the incident, but it was not determined that it had happened,” said a coastguard spokeswoman. Frontex headquarters in Warsaw could not immediately confirm or deny the incident.

The flotilla, which left Barcelona earlier this month, consists of 51 vessels aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver aid. Most are currently near the Greek island of Crete. Vessels waiting to join the flotilla were also reportedly targeted in two suspected drone attacks in Tunisia, where Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg had boarded.

Israel has stated it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza. The country faces mounting international pressure as it continues a ground offensive in the Palestinian territory, particularly in famine-hit Gaza City.

Update: The situation remains fluid as the flotilla continues to navigate international waters near Greece. Organisers and activists have called for increased international attention to ensure the safe delivery of aid.