The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a civilian-led mission carrying food and medical aid to Gaza, has reported an escalation of dangerous incidents in the hours before its expected arrival. Over 500 unarmed civilians aboard the flotilla say they have been targeted with drones, explosions, and deliberate communications jamming.
In a statement, the flotilla said that at least 13 explosions were heard across several vessels, with communications disrupted widely. Participants also reported unidentified objects being dropped onto at least 10 boats, causing damage. No casualties have been confirmed so far.
The Alma boat, one of the flotilla’s vessels, reported more than 15 low-altitude drone overflights within a 24-hour period, with drones appearing roughly every ten minutes. The flotilla described these actions as part of an intimidation effort aimed at halting the mission.
German human rights activist Yasemin Acar, speaking in a video on Instagram, said that five vessels of the flotilla had been attacked. She emphasised that the mission was entirely humanitarian, carrying no weapons, and insisted it posed no threat. Acar also accused Israel of killing thousands of people and starving Gaza’s population.
In its latest update, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla (GSF) said that eleven vessels were attacked last night, sharing a live broadcast on Instagram.
The flotilla departed Barcelona earlier this month and stopped in Tunisia, where it reportedly experienced similar drone activity off the Tunisian coast.
Israel has denied allowing the flotilla to reach Gaza, describing the mission as a security threat and calling it the “Hamas flotilla.” Israeli officials have urged the vessels to dock at Ashkelon marina to transfer aid through coordinated channels rather than enter Gaza directly.
Flotilla organisers have accused Israel of spreading disinformation to discredit the mission and create justification for a possible attack. They emphasised that under international law, including the Geneva Conventions, civilians engaged in humanitarian efforts are protected, and any attack would amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The flotilla has called on all United Nations member states, especially those with nationals aboard, to ensure protection for the mission. This includes providing maritime escort, accredited diplomatic observers, and an overt state presence to safeguard safe passage.
Organisers have urged the UN General Assembly, currently in its 80th session, to put the attacks on its agenda and adopt a resolution addressing these alleged violations.
Reference: globalsumudflotilla
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