Explosions, drone attacks reported around Gaza-bound flotilla boats

WORLD, Sept. 24 (YPA) – Israeli occupation launched 13 drone attacks early Wednesday morning on ten ships belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is heading to the Gaza Strip to break the blockade imposed on more than 2.4 million Palestinians.

At least 10 ships from the flotilla, which seeks to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip, came under drone attack early on Wednesday, according to media reports. Explosions were heard, though the extent of the damage or possible casualties has not yet been confirmed.

For her part, Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Palestine, wrote on X that seven drone strikes targeted vessels in the flotilla after 15 drones hovered over them in the Mediterranean.

She urged immediate protection for the convoy, stressing that the fleet has repeatedly come under attack.

The flotilla’s organizing committee said on social media that 13 explosions and major disruptions to communication systems were detected on board.

It added that unidentified objects were dropped on 10 ships, causing damage, and accused Israel of waging a disinformation campaign to justify a possible assault.

The committee warned that any attack on the humanitarian convoy would constitute a war crime and a violation of international law.

Media sources aboard one of the vessels in the Global Freedom Flotilla reported that Israeli drones dropped an unknown substance with a strong gunpowder-like odor over several ships. No injuries were reported following the incident.

This is not the first time Israeli drones have flown over the flotilla. Just two days earlier, reconnaissance drones were observed hovering above multiple vessels in the convoy, which is sailing toward Gaza in an attempt to break the ongoing blockade.

@E.Y.M