Activists involved in a flotilla aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza reported drone attacks on their boats while sailing south of Greece. The Global Sumud Flotilla stated that the attacks occurred overnight, with participants hearing at least 13 explosions and experiencing communications jamming. They claimed that drones or aircraft dropped unidentified objects on at least 10 of their vessels. Although no injuries were reported, the boats sustained damage, and communication systems were severely disrupted. Activists shared a video that appeared to show an explosion near one of the boats. The Greek Coast Guard did not receive any distress calls regarding the incident.

The Israeli military has not responded to inquiries about the reported attacks. The flotilla, which includes around 50 vessels and participants from various countries, is carrying a small amount of humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine, intended for Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has accused the flotilla's organizers of having ties to Hamas, a claim they deny. Israel has suggested that the activists deliver their aid at the Israeli port of Ashkelon, asserting that it will not allow any breach of its naval blockade.

In response to the drone attacks, Italy condemned the actions and dispatched a navy frigate, the Fasan, to the area for potential rescue operations. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the frigate was already en route to assist if necessary. He emphasized that in a democracy, protests must be protected as long as they comply with international law and do not resort to violence.

Italy's Foreign Ministry reported that its computer systems were overwhelmed by a flood of fake emails following the flotilla's urgent appeal for support. The ministry noted that the emails hindered the crisis unit's operations, which was managing communications with Italian citizens aboard the flotilla. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had previously contacted his Israeli counterpart to advocate for the safety of Italian activists involved in the flotilla, which includes 58 Italians, some of whom are lawmakers.

The European Union has also expressed concern, warning against the use of force and stating that the freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld. A spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office called for an investigation into the attacks, stating that they defy belief and threaten those delivering aid to the suffering population in Gaza.

Among the activists is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who described the drone strikes as a "scare tactic." She urged supporters to focus on the humanitarian situation in Gaza rather than the attacks on the flotilla. "We were aware of the risks of these kinds of attacks, and that’s not something that’s going to stop us," Thunberg said during a livestream.

Italian activist Simone Zambrin reported that drones had been flying over the flotilla for days, dropping devices that damaged the boats. She suggested that Israel was attempting to instill fear due to its apprehension about the flotilla's mission. American activist Greg Stoker noted that the vessel's radio communications were disrupted, with jammers playing an ABBA song over their channel.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has faced multiple attacks since departing from Spain on September 1, including incidents in Tunisian waters. This flotilla is considered the largest attempt to breach the Israeli maritime blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for 18 years. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which reports that many of the casualties are women and children. The blockade and military actions have pushed Gaza City into a state of famine, with over 300,000 residents fleeing as Israel has ordered the population to move south.

The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 others. Israel's military operations in Gaza are aimed at pressuring Hamas to surrender and return the remaining hostages.