Activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla reported on Wednesday that their convoy came under attack overnight while sailing south of Greece.
According to the activists aboard, the vessels were targeted by “unidentified drones and communications jamming.” The Global Sumud Flotilla said “at least 13 explosions” were heard in and around several boats, with “unidentified objects” dropped onto at least 10 boats from drones or aircraft.
Though no one was injured, it was reported the incident caused damage and “widespread obstruction in communications.”
A short video posted on the flotilla’s social media showed what looked like an explosion near one of the ships. The Greek coast guard said it had not received distress calls, reports AP/UNB.
There has been no comment so far from the Israeli military.
The flotilla, made up of boats from different nations, is carrying food, medicine and other symbolic humanitarian supplies bound for Gaza. Israel’s Foreign Ministry has alleged that the organisers are tied to Hamas and said aid should be unloaded in the Israeli port of Ashkelon for it to be transported into Gaza.
“Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade,” the ministry said earlier this week. “Israel urges the participants not to break the law and to accept Israel’s proposal for a peaceful transfer of any aid they might have.”
Among those on board are Italian parliamentarians and members of the European Parliament. Italy’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that it had “notified the Israeli authorities that any operation entrusted to Israel’s armed forces be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution.”
It added that Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to seek clarification and “reiterate its previous request to the Israeli government to guarantee the absolute protection of the personnel on board.”
The flotilla has previously reported several incidents since departing Spain on 1 September, including two while sailing in Tunisian waters.
Organisers say this convoy is the largest effort so far to challenge Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza, which has been in place for 18 years.
The war, now approaching its second year, has claimed more than 65,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
