The Gaza Freedom Flotilla, a civilian-led maritime effort intended to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, was attacked late Monday night by unidentified drones in international waters, according to organizers and maritime tracking sources.
Handala was sailing toward Gaza carrying humanitarian aid and international peace activists when she came under surveillance for approximately 150 nautical miles off Cyprus, according to eyewitness reports from activists aboard her. Guinea-Bissau-registered ship was shadowed for hours before drones appeared overhead – eyewitness reports of activists aboard stated.
Dr. Mona al-Farra, a Palestinian rights activist and one of the passengers aboard ship, reported hearing a humming sound before drones began circling it shortly thereafter. One drone made a low pass that appears to release some type of device or munition into the water nearby.
No injuries were reported, yet organizers from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition described this incident as an attempt at “deliberate intimidation.” Their presence caused their ship to change course temporarily to ensure its own safety.
Zohar Chamberlain Regev, spokesperson of the coalition stated: “This voyage was conducted peacefully and fully complying with international maritime law.” To threaten or attack such a vessel in international waters is considered an attack against both human rights and maritime norms.
Unconfirmed reports place Israeli drones as likely culprits, given previous experience intercepting flotilla ships trying to reach Gaza. Israeli forces boarded and boarded up Mavi Marmara, an identical flotilla ship which resulted in 10 activists’ deaths and international outrage at that time.
Israel has not issued an official response to the latest incident, though security sources speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed they are monitoring it closely.
The Gaza Freedom Flotilla set sail from Turkey earlier this month carrying supplies such as medical equipment, food, and water filtration systems for Gaza’s civilian population under siege. Among those onboard were activists from over 20 nations including Canada, Sweden, South Africa and Malaysia.
International reactions have been swift: Turkey’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of any harassment to peaceful humanitarian vessels while the UN demanded immediate investigation.
Handala was still out at sea as of Tuesday morning but had temporarily reduced speed towards Gaza while waiting on instructions from international maritime authorities.
This incident has focused global attention back on Gaza’s blockade – now in its 17th year – and on those attempting to deliver aid by sea.’