Activists Claim Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Hit by Drones Off Greece

Organizers of a Gaza-bound flotilla said late Tuesday that several of their vessels were hit by drones while sailing off the coast of Greece.

The Global Sumud Flotilla reported “multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,” though it gave no details on casualties. Videos posted by activists showed blasts near the vessels, with one clip timestamped “01:43 GMT +3” from the boat Spectre.

German rights activist Yasemin Acar said five boats were attacked, insisting the flotilla was carrying only humanitarian aid. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila added that four boats had been “targeted with drones throwing devices” just before another explosion was recorded.

The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with 51 vessels, aims to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Among its participants is Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. The boats are currently gathered near Crete.

Israel has vowed not to allow the flotilla to reach Gaza, having blocked two earlier attempts in June and July. The alleged attack comes as international pressure mounts over Israel’s war in Gaza, which has left much of the territory in ruins, pushed it into famine, and led UN investigators to accuse Israel of committing “genocide.”