Activists say Gaza aid flotilla attacked by 'multiple drones'

ATHENS: Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists said late Tuesday they witnessed explosions and drone strikes on several of their boats off the coast of Greece.

"Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats," the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement, without confirming casualties.

"We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, but we will not be intimidated," it added.


German human rights activist Yasemin Acar said in a video posted on Instagram that five vessels had been hit.

"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."

Earlier, Acar said activists had sighted "15 to 16 drones" and that their radios were jammed by loud music. One video posted by the flotilla's official account showed an explosion aboard the Spectre at 01:43 GMT+3. In another, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said four boats had been "targeted with drones throwing devices" just before another blast was heard in the background.

The flotilla, numbering 51 vessels, set sail from Barcelona earlier this month aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian supplies. Most of the ships are currently anchored off Crete.

It has already suffered suspected drone attacks in Tunisia, where one vessel was struck while docked before resuming its journey toward Gaza. High-profile participants include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Israel on Monday reiterated it would not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza. It previously blocked two similar efforts in June and July.

The incident comes as Israel faces mounting global pressure over its Gaza offensive, which has plunged the enclave into a humanitarian catastrophe.