A humanitarian flotilla sailing to Gaza was attacked by drones while at sea, with some vessels damaged and chemicals dropped on board, but no casualties reported.
On the night of September 24, an international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip came under attack by drones. The unmanned aerial vehicles dropped chemical substances onto the decks of some ships, and explosions were heard near the vessels for several hours. Communication disruptions also occurred. Despite the attacks, no one was injured.
The attack was reported by activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla on social media. A Polish-flagged ship was damaged, according to Franciszek Sterczewski, a Polish MP and volunteer on the flotilla. Sterczewski called on the Polish government to react immediately to the attack.
Rafał Piotrowski, spokesperson for Global Movement to Gaza Poland, provided further details. He stated that at least 13 explosions were recorded, and around a dozen unidentified cargoes were dropped onto at least 10 boats. Some of these cargoes were stun grenades, while others contained chemical substances.
Despite the attacks, participants in the flotilla expressed increased determination to continue their mission. Piotrowski mentioned that the experience of being attacked made them realize that what they were going through was minimal compared to what Palestinians in Gaza had been experiencing for two years.
The flotilla currently has 51 vessels, some of which were previously targeted in drone attacks during a stop in Tunisia. The group aims to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid.
Part of the flotilla is currently near Crete, where some damaged boats will likely need to be repaired. The plan is for all the vessels to meet in the Mediterranean Sea and then proceed together to Gaza. The flotilla has been in contact with Palestinian organizations and families to distribute the aid.
Piotrowski also mentioned that this is the 38th attempt to break the blockade by sea and that they have prepared procedures in case of detention, arrest, or deportation. He expressed frustration at the lack of significant response from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MSZ) regarding their efforts.
