The United Nations on Wednesday called for an investigation into alleged drone strikes on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, as the European Union condemned the attacks and Italy dispatched a navy frigate to assist the vessels.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) accused Israel of carrying out more than a dozen explosions late Tuesday near the flotilla off the coast of Greece. The group said “unidentified objects” were dropped onto the decks, causing damage and dispersing chemical substances in what it described as a “dangerous escalation.”
UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said those responsible for the “violations” must be held accountable.
The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month, aims to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian supplies. Israel, however, has vowed not to allow any vessel to enter what it calls an “active combat zone.”
“If their intentions are sincere, they should transfer aid to the Ashkelon Marina so it can be delivered safely to Gaza,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein.
GSF claimed that the attack endangered more than 500 unarmed civilians from 45 countries, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. “We are sailing peacefully in international waters with food, baby formula, medical supplies, and water,” Thunberg said in a live interview, insisting the “scare tactics” would not stop them.
Italy sent a frigate already stationed in the eastern Mediterranean to support the flotilla and prepare for possible rescue operations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Israel that any actions taken must comply with international law.
The European Commission also condemned the incident. “Freedom of navigation under international law must be upheld. No attacks, no drone strikes, no seizures, or any use of force against the flotilla are acceptable,” spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said.
The flotilla, consisting of 51 vessels, was near the Greek island of Crete when the incident occurred. It follows two previous suspected drone attacks on vessels preparing to join the flotilla in Tunisia.
The situation unfolds amid Israel’s intensified offensive in Gaza. After nearly two years of war, Israeli military actions have killed at least 65,419 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry figures considered credible by the UN. Hamas’s October 2023 assault, which triggered the conflict, killed 1,219 people in Israel.