Footage shows apparent attack on Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla near Greece
Footage shows apparent attack on Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla near Greece
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of 51 ships attempting to carry aid to the Gaza Strip, has shared footage that appears to show an explosion that detonated on one of the flotilla's vessels.
Activists said late on Tuesday that they heard explosions and saw drones that targeted some of their boats, currently situated off Greece.
"Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats," the Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement, without adding whether there were any casualties.
"We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated."
Video of one the explosions happening now on the flotilla filmed from the Spectre boat.
— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) September 23, 2025
Raise the alarm! All eyes on the Global Sumud Flotilla#globalsumudflotilla #freepalestine #breakthesiege #sailtogaza #urgentalert https://t.co/A3S5PGUQ7T
Israel has not commented on the incident, but has in recent days stepped up its threats against the flotilla, accusing organisers, without evidence, of supporting Hamas and of pursuing "a violent course of action".
Bringing together more than 300 activists from 44 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, the civilian flotilla is the largest maritime aid convoy to head for Gaza since Israel began its genocide of Palestinians in October 2023.
A number of those on board the flotilla told Middle East Eye that they were still shaken by the incident.
"I knew what I signed up for when I decided to go on this flotilla, I know what Israel is capable of, and I know what Israel does to peaceful people," said Tommy Marcus, an American activist.
Saying he'd had little sleep after the event, he said while he would love to put on his "badass face" about the explosions, he admitted that he had feared for his own life.
Sumeyra Akdeniz-Ordu, a Turkish-German organiser, said as she had been listening to the explosions, it made her think of how the population of Gaza had had to endure something similar on a much larger scale for almost two years.
"They cannot count on any safety or security, they are almost waiting for another sound, another loud explosion, it can come from anywhere - and the same happened yesterday night, we were looking on the right side, another explosion, ten minutes after this on the left side, another explosion," she explained.
"And it was a weird feeling because I knew that was the beginning of the psychological warfare. But we are for the Palestinians there and I cannot imagine the feeling for them to witness this for almost two years."
The flotilla was previously attacked by projectiles launched by drones while anchored in Tunisia on 8 and 9 September.
The Tunisian government described the attacks as “premeditated” but Israel has not directly taken responsibility for the attacks.
On Wednesday, Italy called on Israel to ensure the safety of those on board the flotilla, emphasising that the flotilla was "in international waters" and that several Italians, including parliamentarians, were on board.
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, currently in New York for the UN General Assembly, reiterated through the Italian embassy in Israel "the request to the Israeli government to guarantee the absolute protection" of the flotilla participants, according to a statement.
