Pro-Palestinian activists aboard a Gaza-bound flotilla reported multiple drone attacks and explosions targeting their vessels off the Greek coast from late Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying 51 boats laden with humanitarian aid, said organisers witnessed “multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats” during the incidents.
Brazilian organiser Tiago Avila reported on Instagram that 10 attacks targeted multiple vessels using sound bombs and explosive flares, with boats also sprayed with suspected chemicals.
Activists report communications jamming and chemical spraying
US activist Greg Stoker said his boat off Crete was targeted by a quadcopter that dropped objects on deck, whilst radio frequencies were hijacked with music being played over communications channels.
“Our VHF radio was hijacked by adversarial comms, and they started playing Abba,” Stoker said on Instagram.
The flotilla statement noted organisers were “witnessing these psychological operations firsthand” but would “not be intimidated”.
Israeli authorities have not publicly commented on the reported drone attacks or communications interference.
Israel demands aid handover at Ashkelon Marina
Earlier Tuesday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry claimed the flotilla was “pursuing a violent course of action” and serving “Hamas, rather than the people in Gaza”.
The ministry demanded the flotilla transfer its aid cargo to Israeli authorities for coordinated delivery via Ashkelon Marina.
Flotilla organisers rejected the proposal, with Avila calling it “manipulation from the Zionist regime”.
“We can never believe an occupying force who is committing genocide that they will deliver aid – it’s not in their interests,” he said.
Israel warned it would “take the necessary measures to prevent entry into the combat zone and stop any violation of a lawful naval blockade” if the flotilla continued towards Gaza.
The flotilla, which includes environmental activist Greta Thunberg among participants, previously faced suspected drone attacks whilst anchored in Tunisia before resuming its voyage. Israel blocked similar activist attempts to reach Gaza by sea in June and July.
(information from aljazeera.com)
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