Global Sumud Flotilla harassed by drones as it sails toward Gaza
Activists say low-flying drones tried for hours to intimidate crew of Gaza-bound vessel
ISTANBUL
The Global Sumud Flotilla said Tuesday that its vessels have come under repeated harassment at sea, reporting explosions, unidentified drones and communications jamming as the humanitarian convoy sails toward the Gaza Strip.
In a post on the US social media company, X, the flotilla said the drones appeared “roughly every 10 minutes” over a ship called the Alma, which is part of the convoy looking to reach Gaza and challenge Israel’s illegal blockade.
“We believe these drones are intended to intimidate, potentially gathering intelligence for Israel,” the group said.
The flotilla later described the incidents as “psychological operations” to intimidate activists.
“The lengths to which Israel and its allies will go to prolong the horrors of starvation and genocide in Gaza are sickening,” the group said on social media. “But our resolve is stronger than ever. These tactics will not deter us from our mission to deliver aid to Gaza and break the illegal siege.”
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese urged urgent action, warning on X that the flotilla “has been attacked 7 times in a short span,” citing sound bombs, explosive flares, suspected chemical sprays and blocked distress calls. “Immediate international attention AND PROTECTION required!” she wrote.
Activist Yasemin Acar, posting a video on X, said: “9th strike. We are under attack in international waters.” In a separate Instagram message from the Alma, she reported “15 to 16 big drones” flying overhead and said radios were being jammed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” is made up of more than 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners. The initiative aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli authorities have not commented on the latest reports, though past aid flotillas have been intercepted.
Israel has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in a brutal offensive in Gaza following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
