Organizers of the Gaza-bound Global Freedom humanitarian aid flotilla reported on Tuesday that Israeli forces launched multiple attacks on their vessels. At least 13 explosions were heard on and around several boats, alongside significant communications disruption, drone harassment, projectiles, and blasts while the flotilla was 600 nautical miles from Gaza.
Over the preceding hours, more than 15 drones repeatedly hovered at low altitudes above the Alma boat, appearing approximately every 10 minutes. Drone attacks have reportedly destroyed the mast of the ZAFIRO boat, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla fleet.
One video shared by the group displayed what appeared to be a flashbang accompanied by a loud explosion. Flotilla participants reported objects being dropped on at least 10 boats from drones or aircraft, causing damage. No fatalities have been reported, but the extent of the damage is expected to be fully assessed at daylight.
“In the final days before reaching Gaza, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) is experiencing an alarmingly dangerous escalation, with multiple boats reporting targeted explosions and unidentified objects being dropped on and near the boats, causing significant damage and widespread obstruction in communications,” a press statement from the organizers read.
The organizers alleged these attacks are part of a “sustained campaign of intimidation and disinformation by Israel,” aimed at discrediting and endangering the more than 500 unarmed civilians aboard the flotilla who aim to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza and help end Israel’s blockade.
The flotilla’s organizers dismissed claims by Israel that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a ‘Hamas flotilla’ planning violent action, labeling it a “disinformation campaign aimed at pre-emptively justifying military action against a civilian-led, nonviolent, humanitarian mission.” Under the Geneva Conventions, civilians, including those on humanitarian missions, are afforded protection, and any attack on this mission would constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
By obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel is violating the International Court of Justice’s binding provisional measures, which mandate it to allow and facilitate such aid.
The Global Sumud Flotilla has called on all UN Member States, particularly those with nationals aboard the vessels, to ensure effective protection, including maritime escort and diplomatic observers, so the flotilla can proceed without incident and international law can prevail.
The flotilla also requested that the UN General Assembly place the attacks on its agenda and adopt a resolution addressing these significant violations. The organizers condemned the attacks, asserting, “The lengths to which Israel and its allies will go to prolong the horrors of starvation and genocide in Gaza are sickening. But our resolve is stronger than ever.” They emphasized their commitment to delivering aid, stating, “These tactics will not deter us from our mission to deliver aid to Gaza and break the illegal siege. Every attempt to intimidate us only strengthens our commitment. We will not be silenced. We will continue to sail.”
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese urged immediate international attention, noting the urgent need for protections for those in the flotilla. French MP Rima Hassan also called on President Emmanuel Macron, citing the presence of several dozen French nationals aboard the flotilla, stating, “These attacks must stop!”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes over 50 ships, began its journey earlier this month to deliver humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to Gaza, where 2.4 million Palestinians have been under siege for 18 years. This is the largest civilian maritime effort to deliver aid to Gaza, involving participants from over 44 countries. Notable members include climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and former mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau.
Since March 2, 2025, the Israeli government has blocked all aid entering Gaza, including food, medicine, and fuel, actions widely criticized as violations of international humanitarian law. Two previous attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza this year were also obstructed by Israel.
Earlier, 16 countries whose citizens are participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla expressed concern over its security, urging respect for international humanitarian law. The foreign ministers of Qatar, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and Türkiye issued a joint statement warning that “any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability.”
They emphasized that the flotilla’s purpose is “to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raise awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of Palestinians and the need to stop the war in Gaza.” Furthermore, 158 European lawmakers have urged their foreign ministries to take immediate action to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla after it faced drone attacks in Tunisian waters before departure.
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