Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who is on board one of the boats, called the strikes a „scare tactic“ and implored the flotilla’s supporters to stay focused on Gaza rather than on the activists.
Activists taking part in a flotilla seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza said Wednesday that some of their boats were attacked by drones overnight while sailing south of Greece.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said it was attacked during the night by „unidentified drones and communications jamming.“ It said that „at least 13 explosions“ were heard on and around several flotilla boats, while drones or aircraft dropped „unidentified objects“ on at least 10 boats.
No casualties were reported but there was damage to the vessels and „widespread obstruction in communications“, it added. Activists posted a brief video showing what appeared to be an explosion on or near one of the vessels.
Greece’s coast guard did not report any distress calls.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to questions regarding the attack.
The flotilla, which organizers say includes about 50 vessels and participants from dozens of countries, is carrying humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry has accused organizers of being linked to Hamas, an accusation organizers reject. Israel has proposed that the activists unload their aid in the Israeli port of Ashkelon for it to be transported into Gaza, saying it will not accept any breach of its blockade.
Italy condemned the attack and activated a navy frigate to be on hand for possible rescue operations, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said. Crosetto said the Italian Navy’s frigate Fasan, which was sailing north of Crete, was „already heading towards the area for possible rescue operations.“ Italy has informed Israel about the decision.
„In a democracy, demonstrations and forms of protest must also be protected when they are carried out in accordance with international law and without resorting to violence“, Crosetto said.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry meanwhile said its computer systems had been overwhelmed by a „mail bombing“ campaign in which thousands of what it said were fake emails flooded its servers after the attack on the flotilla.
