Global Sumud Flotilla heading to Gaza targeted by drones and explosions, activists say

As the Global Sumud Flotilla ship approached war-torn Gaza, activists on board said they were again targeted by drones on Tuesday night. The flotilla reported on its official X account that drones were seen over its boats and multiple explosions were heard.

“Multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said, without confirming any casualties.

Video of one the explosions happening now on the flotilla filmed from the Spectre boat.

Raise the alarm! All eyes on the Global Sumud Flotilla#globalsumudflotilla #freepalestine #breakthesiege #sailtogaza #urgentalert https://t.co/A3S5PGUQ7T

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) September 23, 2025

“We are witnessing these psychological operations firsthand, right now, but we will not be intimidated,” the statement added.

In a video on Instagram, German human rights activist Yasemin Acar said five vessels had been attacked.

“We are carrying only humanitarian aid. We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people (and) starving a whole population,” she said.

🚨 In international waters on a humanitarian mission: dozens of drones spotted, 2 vessels targeted. All safe, no injuries. Facing comms jam.
📸 yaseminacr_ (IG) pic.twitter.com/pfJQ598VQ8

— Global Sumud Flotilla Commentary (@GlobalSumudF) September 23, 2025

The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, includes high-profile participants like Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

After leaving Barcelona, the flotilla stopped in Tunisia, where it reportedly faced drone attacks off the Tunisian coast. While it is unclear if Israel carried out the attacks, Tel Aviv has reiterated that it will not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza.

“If the flotilla participants’ genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at the Ashkelon marina and unload the aid there, from where it will be transferred promptly in a coordinated manner to the Gaza Strip,” the Israeli foreign ministry said.