Global Sumud Flotilla activists report gaza-hospital-attack/” title=”Fury Erupts as …s 'Double-Tap' Strike on … Hospital Kills Five Journalists”>explosions and drone strikes during their journey late Tuesday
Pro-Palestinian campaigners aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, en route to Gaza with humanitarian supplies, described experiencing explosions and multiple drone assaults while anchored near Greece from late Tuesday into early Wednesday.
In an official statement, the flotilla organisers detailed, “Several drones and unidentified devices were deployed, communications were disrupted, and explosions were audible from several vessels,” though they did not specify if there were any injuries.
“We are currently enduring these psychological warfare tactics firsthand, yet remain undeterred,” the statement added.
Brazilian coordinator Tiago Avila, wearing a life jacket, shared an update on Instagram around midnight Wednesday, revealing that ten separate attacks targeted various boats using sound bombs and explosive flares, alongside suspected chemical sprays.
US activist Greg Stoker confirmed that his vessel near Crete was also attacked.
“Our boat was struck by a quadcopter that dropped a small popper on deck. Several other boats faced similar incidents. Additionally, our VHF radio was hijacked by hostile signals, which then broadcast Abba songs,” he recounted on Instagram.
Israeli officials have yet to issue any public statements addressing the drone strikes, explosions, or communication disruptions reported by the flotilla.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the flotilla on X of “engaging in aggressive actions,” asserting that the mission serves Hamas rather than the people of Gaza.
The ministry urged the flotilla to transfer their humanitarian cargo to Israeli authorities for delivery to Gaza through the Ashkelon Marina, a proposal the flotilla leaders firmly declined.
“Should the flotilla persist in rejecting Israel’s peaceful offer, Israel will implement necessary measures to block entry into the conflict zone and prevent breaches of the naval blockade, while striving to protect all passengers,” the statement warned.
Avila dismissed this as “deceptive tactics by the Zionist regime.”
“We cannot trust an occupying power responsible for genocide to deliver aid-it contradicts their interests,” he stated on Instagram.
The flotilla, comprising 51 vessels, departed from the western Mediterranean earlier this month aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade and bring aid directly to Gaza. Prior to resuming their journey, the group faced two suspected drone attacks while docked in Tunisia.
Among the notable participants is environmental advocate Greta Thunberg.
International activists, including humanitarian workers and campaigners, emphasize that the flotilla is a peaceful initiative designed to spotlight Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation.
Israel has previously prevented two similar activist-led attempts to reach Gaza by sea in June and July.
