Global Sumud Flotilla nears Gaza despite drone attacks, European navies to escort
The Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to break the Zionist occupation’s siege on Gaza, announced on Sunday that it is now approximately 825 kilometers from the Gaza Strip.
The flotilla, comprising over 50 boats carrying more than 500 activists from around 45 countries—including 54 French and 15 Belgian participants, along with prominent activists and medical personnel such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg—has faced drone attacks conducted by the Zionist forces, causing explosions and communication disruptions.
A short video posted on the flotilla’s X account showed two drones flying at low altitude over the vessels overnight without carrying out any attacks.
The flotilla includes the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Global Gaza Movement, the Sumud Convoy, and Malaysia’s Sumud Nusantara. Besides, European governments have stepped in to provide protection: Italy and Spain announced the deployment of naval vessels to escort the flotilla.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the drone attacks and confirmed a second naval ship would assist the flotilla, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a naval vessel would accompany the ships to anticipate potential attacks.
This marks the first time dozens of ships have sailed together in a collective effort to break the Zionist occupation’s siege on Gaza, after previous flotillas were intercepted and their activists deported by the occupation forces.
