ISTANBUL, Sept 24 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The Global Sumud Flotilla said Tuesday that its vessels have come under repeated harassment at sea, reporting explosions, unidentified drones and communications jamming as the humanitarian convoy sails towards the Gaza Strip, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"We believe these drones are intended to intimidate, potentially gathering intelligence for Israel," the group said in a post on Instagram.
The flotilla later described the incidents as "psychological operations" to intimidate.
"The lengths to which Israel and its allies will go to prolong the horrors of starvation and genocide in Gaza are sickening"
"But our resolution is stronger than ever. These tactics will not deter us from our mission to deliver aid to Gaza and break the illegal siege," the group said on social media.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese urged urgent action, warning on X that the flotilla "has been attacked 7 times in a short span," citing sound bombs, explosive flares, suspected chemical sprays and blocked distress calls.
"Immediate international attention AND PROTECTION required!" she wrote.
Activist Yasemin Acar, posting a video on X, said: "9th strike. We are under attack in international waters." In a separate Instagram message from the Alma, she reported "15 to 16 big drones" flying overhead and said radios were being jammed.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for "steadfastness," is made up of more than 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners.
The initiative aims to challenge Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israeli authorities have not commented on the latest reports, though past aid flotillas have been intercepted.
Israel has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in a brutal offensive in Gaza. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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