Explosions, drone attacks reported around Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla: Organizers

Organizers of the Gaza-bound Global Freedom humanitarian aid flotilla said late Tuesday that their vessels came under repeated drone harassment in international waters, with projectiles launched at several ships and explosions heard nearby.

The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza said drones dropped incendiary projectiles on the vessels Yulara and Ohwayla, describing one as a smoke bomb and the other as a device that struck the ship’s barrier before falling into the sea without igniting.

It said two loud explosions, believed to be stun grenades, were heard in the vicinity of the flotilla, while at least 15 drones hovered at low altitude over the ship Alma and five more circled the Deir Yassin at varying heights.

The committee confirmed that no casualties or major damage were reported but said an emergency protocol had been activated on all vessels. It also reported electronic jamming affecting communications.

“These tactics and attempts at intimidation will not deter the flotilla from its mission to deliver aid and break the blockade,” the committee said, urging international actors to ensure the safety of the convoy.

The flotilla, made up of about 50 ships, set sail earlier this month with the aim of breaking Israel’s blockade and delivering humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, to Gaza, where 2.4 million Palestinians have been under siege for 18 years.

UN investigators recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, where more than 65,000 people have been killed since October 2023.