Saira Imran The Global Sumud Flotilla faced Israeli drone attacks as it sailed through international waters near the Greek coast on its way to Gaza. Videos shared online showed explosions and disrupted communications, but activists remain determined to continue their mission to break the Gaza blockade.
Flotilla’s Mission to Break the Blockade
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a large convoy of boats carrying activists, human rights defenders, and leaders from across the world. Its mission is to challenge the ongoing blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The flotilla started its journey from Barcelona, Spain, in late August 2025, and now consists of 51 boats, most of them near the Greek island of Crete.
Prominent figures have joined the mission, including Pakistan’s former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad and environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Organizers have emphasized that this is a peaceful humanitarian effort aimed at providing relief to the people of Gaza.
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Drone Strikes Reported at Sea
According to flotilla organizers, Israeli drones targeted several boats, dropping unidentified objects and causing explosions. The attacks also jammed the convoy’s communication systems, making it harder for boats to stay in touch.
The flotilla issued a statement saying, “We are witnessing this psychological war with our own eyes, but we will not be afraid.” Activists believe that Israel is trying to intimidate them into halting the mission, but they remain committed to reaching Gaza.
Eyewitness Accounts from Activists
German human rights activist Yasmin Akar posted a video on Instagram where she described the assault. She confirmed that drones attacked five boats and said the group saw at least 15 to 16 drones. She added that radios were jammed and loud music was played as part of the disruption.
Another activist, Thiago Avila from Brazil, reported that drones dropped devices on four boats, followed by another powerful explosion. Videos shared on the flotilla’s official pages also showed clear footage of blasts hitting one of the boats.
Mushtaq Ahmad Condemns the Attacks
Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmad shared a detailed account of the assault on his social media. He said that around ten Israeli drones attacked the flotilla late at night, dropping explosives, fireballs, and even releasing a chemical substance that could harm anyone who inhaled or touched it.
Ahmad described these actions as part of a psychological war aimed at scaring the activists. However, he reaffirmed the convoy’s commitment, saying, “We will, God willing, reach Gaza.”
He strongly condemned Israel, calling it an illegitimate and racist state that continues to spread terror. He urged Pakistan’s government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to raise the issue at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and all global forums. Ahmad also shared video evidence of the drone strike on his own boat.
Humanitarian Purpose of the Flotilla
Ahmad explained that the flotilla’s real mission is to end Gaza’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to its people. He criticized the OIC for not fulfilling this responsibility, saying the Global Sumud Flotilla has taken up the task instead.
The activists insist that their mission is non-violent and purely humanitarian. They want to provide urgent relief and send a message against the blockade that has trapped millions of Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel’s Stand Against the Convoy
Israel, however, has made its stance clear. On Monday, Israeli authorities announced that they would not allow the Global Sumud Flotilla to reach Gaza under any circumstances. Earlier this year, in June and July, Israel also stopped two similar aid convoys from reaching Gaza.
This latest attack highlights the ongoing conflict over Gaza’s blockade, which has become a global concern. International voices continue to call for humanitarian relief, but Israel has repeatedly acted to prevent such convoys from reaching the Palestinian enclave.
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Previous Incidents and Global Reactions
This is not the first time the flotilla has reported drone strikes. Earlier this month, it claimed that drones targeted them near Tunisia. However, Tunisia’s Interior Ministry denied those reports at the time.
Despite these challenges, the convoy has continued to attract global attention. Hundreds of activists from different countries are onboard, making it one of the largest international efforts to challenge Gaza’s blockade in recent years.
Determination Despite Attacks
The Global Sumud Flotilla continues its journey despite repeated Israeli attempts to block it. Activists see the attacks as psychological warfare meant to instill fear, but they remain determined to reach Gaza and provide aid.
Their mission has become a symbol of resistance and solidarity for many around the world. Whether the flotilla succeeds in breaking the blockade or faces more obstacles, it has already drawn significant international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
