Gaza aid flotilla targeted by drones and explosions, activists say

Organisers of the Gaza-bound aid flotilla reported late on Tuesday that "more than 15" drones targeted several of their boats, currently located off the coast of Greece.

"Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats," the group posted in a statement on Instagram. The activists reported at least nine attacks on eight of its boats.

"We will not be intimidated," the group reminded, saying that every attempt to do so only strengthens its commitment. "These tactics will not deter us from our mission to deliver aid to Gaza and break the illegal siege."

The group called on the Greek Coast Guard to "protect every vessel and every human life within its SAR zone."

Organisers of the flotilla urged world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, which is under way in New York, to take "immediate action for Gaza," particularly by voting for a resolution to be put forward by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

The Colombian leader has called on the UN to create a “powerful army of countries that do not accept genocide” to establish a “peacekeeping force” in the region.

The flotilla's humanitarian mission

The flotilla is a civilian fleet of over 50 small vessels from 44 countries, aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of famine-stricken Gaza, which was further tightened in October 2023, at the start of the war in the Strip, following the Hamas-led militant attack on southern Israel.

It is not the first time activists trying to break the siege have reportedly come under attack. Earlier this month, the flotilla was attacked twice while its boats were docked in Tunisian waters, according to the activists.

One of the ships targeted was the Family Boat, a Portuguese-flagged vessel and the flotilla's lead ship, carrying aid and some of the most well-known activists on board, including Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau.

The Alma, another mothership of the mission, was reportedly targeted as well.

Tunisian authorities rejected the claim that the flotilla was hit off the country's coast, stating that the explosion on the first boat came from inside the ship.

While there is no concrete evidence, activists have accused Israel of being behind the attacks.

In July, the unarmed Freedom flotilla was boarded by Israeli forces in international waters, while it was en route carrying supplies to the Strip.