The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian workers and activists from 44 countries, came under drone attack in the Mediterranean as it attempted to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza, drawing international concern and warnings of war crimes.

At least 10 ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which seeks to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip, came under drone attack early on Wednesday, Al-Jazeera reported. Explosions were heard, though the extent of the damage or possible casualties has not yet been confirmed.

The flotilla’s organizing committee said on social media that 13 explosions and major disruptions to communication systems were detected on board. 

It added that unidentified objects were dropped on 10 ships, causing damage, and accused Israel of waging a disinformation campaign to justify a possible assault. 

The committee warned that any attack on the humanitarian convoy would constitute a war crime and a violation of international law.

Global Sumud Flotilla is being attacked ‼️

📷 _.sophistica._ (IG) pic.twitter.com/rqODQdgom1

— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) September 24, 2025

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine, wrote on X that seven drone strikes targeted vessels in the flotilla after 15 drones hovered over them in the Mediterranean. She urged immediate protection for the convoy, stressing that the fleet has repeatedly come under attack.

An Al-Jazeera reporter on one of the vessels said drones dropped an unknown substance with the smell of gunpowder onto several ships, though no injuries were reported. 

This was not the first incident: reconnaissance drones have been flying over the flotilla’s ships for days. On September 8 and 9, the fleet also reported drone attacks, but no casualties or damage were recorded.

Israel had previously threatened to block the flotilla from entering what it described as an “active combat zone” and violating the naval blockade. On Monday, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said it would not permit the ships to reach Gaza, alleging that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas was behind the initiative. 

The Global Sumud Flotilla, composed of humanitarian workers, doctors, artists, and activists from 44 countries, departed earlier this month from Tunisia after repeated delays. Its mission is to establish a humanitarian corridor and break the 18-year blockade on Gaza, where conditions have worsened under nearly two years of Israeli genocide.

Organizers affirmed on Monday their right to deliver aid and protect volunteers under international law. Israel had already blocked two previous attempts to reach Gaza by sea in June and July.

The launch of the current flotilla faced delays due to security threats, logistical preparations, and weather conditions. It is the largest fleet ever organized for such a mission: a convoy left Barcelona at the end of August, followed by another from Genoa on September 1. By September 7, ships from Spain and Italy had gathered off Tunisia’s coast and soon after set sail for Gaza.

“they’re trying to destroy the sails with nonstop attacks”

The latest update from the Global Sumud Flotilla: 12 attacks have been reported targeting 9 ships pic.twitter.com/e9tRhydLzV

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) September 24, 2025

This marks the first time such a large number of vessels have sailed together toward Gaza, home to over two million Palestinians. Israel has long seized individual ships attempting to break the blockade, detaining and deporting those on board.

Since March 2, Israel has closed all crossings into Gaza, cutting off food and humanitarian aid and plunging the population into famine. Despite aid trucks stuck at the borders, nothing has been allowed to enter.

With US backing, Israel has been waging genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, killing 65,382 Palestinians and wounding 166,985, the majority women and children. Famine has already claimed 442 lives, including 147 children.

(PC, AJA)