Within Greek territorial waters aboard the Alma – The Global Sumud Flotilla activists remain vigilant amid escalating tensions. Following a drone strike on their vessels en route to Gaza to challenge Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory, further confrontations are anticipated.
As the israel-next-middle-east-target/” title=”Could Turkiye Be …'s Next Focus in the Middle East? | Conflict News”>flotilla navigates through Greek waters, an intensified Israeli offensive is expected as they near Gaza’s shores.
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“This attack constitutes yet another violation of international law, targeting civilians engaged in a humanitarian mission,” stated Yasemin Acar, a 38-year-old German-Turkish member of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s leadership team.
Acar brings valuable experience in drone detection and security assessment, having previously attempted to reach Gaza aboard the Madleen flotilla in June, which was intercepted by Israeli forces. She and other crew members were detained and subsequently expelled by Israel.
Drone Assault
The flotilla had been on heightened alert prior to the drone strike on Wednesday. Israel had issued multiple warnings, and earlier in September, flotilla vessels were targeted while docked in Tunisia.
When Acar noticed the glint of three unidentified flying objects against the sunset’s orange hues on Tuesday evening, she immediately instructed the crew to maintain heightened vigilance as night fell.
At approximately 8pm (17:00 GMT), drones were observed approaching the Alma, one of the flotilla’s ships. Throughout the night, activists on watch reported a surge in drone activity, tallying up to 15 drones overhead.
By 11pm (20:00 GMT), disruptions in radio and internet communications signaled the onset of the assault.
Volunteers were roused, donned life jackets, and assembled at the ship’s designated safe zone awaiting further orders. From the Alma, the flickering lights of the flotilla’s sailboats could be seen swaying, accompanied by flashes and detonations above them.
Subsequent explosions continued, with intermittent communication blackouts suggesting the possible deployment of chemical agents as drones maintained low-altitude attacks on the vessels.
In total, thirteen explosions were documented overnight, according to an official statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
Resilience Amidst Danger
By early Wednesday morning, Acar confirmed that the immediate threat had subsided.
However, the situation is expected to escalate as the flotilla advances.
On Thursday, Israeli officials reiterated their stance, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Eden Bar Tal warning that no vessel would be permitted to enter what Israel terms an “active combat zone.” Bar Tal accused the flotilla of provocation and alleged ties to Hamas, claims firmly denied by the activists.
In a significant development, Spain and Italy have deployed naval vessels to escort and safeguard the flotilla as it approaches Gaza.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced Spain’s acceptance of Belgium’s request to assist its nationals aboard the flotilla and mentioned ongoing discussions with Ireland regarding similar support.
This unprecedented international backing complements the growing momentum of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and port blockades across Europe, notably in Italy over the past weekend.
With only days remaining before reaching Gaza, the flotilla volunteers face a mix of emotions-hope, anxiety, and determination-after being away from their families, homes, and livelihoods for over a month.
The grim reality of the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza City looms large, with over 65,000 Palestinians killed, countless trapped beneath rubble, and many succumbing to starvation.
Yet, the sight of fellow activists on the horizon and the chance to sail together once more has reignited the spirits of those aboard.
As other boats draw near the Alma, volunteers unite in singing a newly composed anthem in Spanish: “Gaza, we are coming.”
