Iran Joins Aid Flotilla for Gaza Amidst Drone Attacks and Israeli Opposition
An Iranian convoy joined the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) on Wednesday, intending to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza grappling with famine due to an ongoing Israeli blockade. However, the convoy's mission has been met with strong opposition from Israel, including drone attacks and threats to prevent its entry into the combat zone.
Background and Context
The GSF, a civilian mission, is the largest maritime mission ever organized to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. It seeks to reach Gaza from Tunisia, despite repeated delays and threats from Israel. The convoy also includes prominent pro-Palestinian advocates, among them Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and British pro-Palestine campaigner Sarah Wilkinson.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza and has requested that all humanitarian aid be handed over to its authorities for “prompt delivery” into Gaza, a proposal rejected by activists aboard the GSF. Israel's Foreign Ministry has warned the vessels against approaching Gaza’s coast, stating it should transfer the aid to Ashkelon port. However, Israel's assertion that the flotilla is openly backed by Hamas
has been rejected by the activists, who describe themselves as peaceful campaigners for the Palestinian cause.
Drone Attacks and Explosions
In the recent development, the flotilla has reported multiple instances of drone attacks, with more than 15 drones flying at low altitude over one of the boats on Monday. The flotilla organizers have described this as an attempt to intimidate the humanitarian group and a possible intelligence-gathering operation
.
Explosions were reported on the Zefiro and other vessels, with the bow strake of the Zefiro destroyed. The GSF has shared footage of an explosion that detonated on the flotilla earlier, with the group claiming that multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,
but did not report any casualties.
International Reactions
The recent developments have drawn concern and criticism from various quarters. Hamas called for the continuation and escalation of the global movement in solidarity with Gaza, warning Israel against targeting the flotilla. Similarly, foreign ministers of 16 countries expressed concern about the safety of the flotilla, warning against “unlawful or violent” acts against it. Brazil has also asked Israel to respect all norms of international law and ensure the security of the GSF ships.
Conclusion
Despite drone attacks, threats, and the reported psychological operations against the flotilla, the activists remain determined to continue their mission. As Sarah Wilkinson expressed, “You have to do something. You have to try everything. And the flotilla was the next step of a very long journey of pro-Palestinian activism that has only coincided with the extermination of Palestinian people.” The situation remains tense as the flotilla continues its journey towards Gaza amidst increasing international attention.