Gaza (Web Desk): Organizers of the international aid flotilla "Global Samoud Flotilla," en route to Gaza, have accused Israeli warships of targeting their vessels and conducting cyber attacks to disable their communication systems. Despite these aggressive moves, the flotilla’s coordinators have vowed to continue their mission to deliver humanitarian aid.
According to British news agency Reuters, two ships of the flotilla, Alma and Sirius, were surrounded by Israeli naval vessels as they attempted to enter Gaza’s maritime boundary. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, speaking at a press conference, said the ships’ navigation and communication systems suddenly failed during the Israeli intervention, which organizers have described as a cyber attack.
The flotilla comprises over 40 civilian vessels carrying United Nations representatives, parliamentarians, lawyers, human rights activists, and environmentalist Greta Thunberg. Its goal is to deliver food and medical aid to Gaza. Currently, the flotilla is approximately 120 nautical miles from the Gaza coast, with plans to enter Gaza’s waters by Thursday morning, barring any obstruction.
Organizers also claim their vessels were recently attacked by drones using stun grenades and irritating powder. Although the attacks caused damage to the ships, no injuries were reported.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian rights, stated that any Israeli attempt to stop the flotilla would violate international maritime law, emphasizing that Israel lacks legal authority over Gaza’s coastal waters.
In response, Italy and Spain have called on Israel to ensure the safety of those aboard the flotilla. Both countries proposed delivering aid through the Catholic Church, a suggestion rejected by the flotilla’s organizers.
Turkey has deployed drones for aerial monitoring, while Italian and Spanish naval ships are present to protect the flotilla as long as it remains within 150 nautical miles of Gaza’s coast.
The Israeli government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the recent incidents. However, Israel maintains that its naval blockade of Gaza is lawful and asserts its right to prevent unauthorized vessels from entering, citing ongoing conflict with Hamas.
This situation echoes the 2010 flotilla incident when Israeli forces attacked a Gaza-bound aid convoy, resulting in the deaths of nine activists and provoking international condemnation.