International Waters – On September 24, 2025, early Wednesday morning, the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) reported being targeted by at least 13 explosions in international waters as it approached the Gaza Strip, accusing the Israeli government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of “an alarmingly dangerous escalation.” The activist group’s press release detailed the incident, claiming 15 drones flew at low altitudes over their vessels multiple times throughout the night, with unidentified objects dropped on 10 boats. A spokesperson alleged that their radios were hijacked to play ABBA music, labeling it a “psychological operation.” However, there has been no official confirmation of Israel’s involvement.
The GSF’s accusations come amidst heightened tensions, with Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli recently releasing a report documenting ties between flotilla leaders and terrorist organizations Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, referring to it as the “Hamas Flotilla.” The Israeli Foreign Ministry offered the flotilla an opportunity to dock and unload its cargo at the Ashkelon Marina, but the GSF refused, choosing instead to continue toward Gaza, a move the ministry described as “the illegal path—sailing into a combat zone and breaching the lawful naval blockade.”
This incident follows two earlier drone attacks reported by the flotilla on September 10 while docked in Tunisia, which the Tunisian government investigated and deemed likely accidental fires. The GSF’s refusal to dock in Ashkelon and its allegations of a “coordinated smear campaign” by Israel have escalated the situation, with international observers watching closely as the flotilla’s mission to deliver aid to Gaza faces significant obstacles. The lack of official confirmation from Israel leaves the responsibility for the explosions uncertain, but the event underscores the volatile dynamics surrounding humanitarian efforts in the region.
