London, UK | September 24, 2025

Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Reports Drone Attacks, Vows to Continue Mission

In a major development at sea, the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of humanitarian vessels attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, has reported being attacked by drones while sailing in international waters south of Greece. Organizers of the flotilla stated that their boats were targeted with “unidentified objects” dropped by drones, causing damage to the vessels and a widespread disruption of communications. The incident has drawn condemnation from international bodies and prompted legal action from the flotilla’s organizers.

Headline Points

 * The Global Sumud Flotilla reported that a swarm of “unidentified drones” attacked its convoy in international waters, with at least 13 explosions heard.

 * The attack caused damage to at least 10 vessels and was accompanied by severe communications jamming, but no casualties have been reported.

 * The flotilla’s legal team has announced it will file a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israel for what it calls “war crimes at sea.”

 * This is the third time the flotilla has reported being targeted by drones since its departure, with previous incidents occurring while the vessels were docked in Tunisia.

 * The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not commented on the attacks but has previously accused the flotilla of “serving Hamas” and warned that it will not be allowed to breach the naval blockade.

A Coordinated Assault at Sea

The attacks reportedly occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with activists on board posting videos and statements detailing the incident. The Global Sumud Flotilla’s organizers reported that a swarm of drones approached from multiple directions, dropping “unidentified objects” that caused loud explosions. The attacks were accompanied by sophisticated communications jamming, which disrupted radio signals and communications between the boats. Despite the damage to the vessels, the flotilla’s organizers confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe.

This latest incident marks a significant escalation in the tensions surrounding the flotilla, which has been the subject of a persistent “smear campaign” from the Israeli Foreign Ministry. The flotilla’s organizers and activists, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, have vowed not to be intimidated and to continue their journey to Gaza.

Legal and Diplomatic Fallout

In response to the attacks, a legal team representing the flotilla has announced it is compiling evidence of “war crimes at sea” to present to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The legal team, which includes lawyers from a number of countries, is collecting data on the types of drones used, the munitions deployed, and the resulting damage to the vessels. This legal action is an attempt to hold Israel accountable for the attacks and to draw further international scrutiny to the blockade of Gaza.

The European Union has also weighed in on the matter, with a spokesperson stating that the “freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld” and that “any use of force against the flotilla is not acceptable.” In a strong show of support for its citizens aboard the convoy, Italy has deployed a naval frigate to the area to provide assistance and condemned the attacks. The UN Human Rights Office has also called for an “independent, impartial and thorough investigation” into the reported attacks.

The Flotilla’s Unwavering Resolve

Despite the attacks and the continued warnings from Israel, the Global Sumud Flotilla remains resolute in its mission. The convoy, which consists of nearly 50 ships and carries hundreds of tons of humanitarian aid, is a grassroots effort to challenge the 18-year naval blockade of Gaza. The organizers argue that the blockade is a violation of international law and that they are providing a crucial lifeline to a civilian population facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

The flotilla’s actions recall the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which was a similar effort that ended tragically when Israeli forces raided the convoy, resulting in the deaths of several activists. While the current situation has not resulted in casualties, the use of drones and the escalation of attacks highlight the growing risks for humanitarian missions attempting to reach the besieged territory.