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Multiple drones of unknown origin were observed near and traveling alongside vessels in the Gaza-bound flotilla Sunday, causing heightened concern among the convoy as it continued its journey toward the blockaded Palestinian territory.
The drone activity, described as reaching "extraordinary levels," prompted unease among the flotilla participants, according to reports from the convoy. Teams aboard the vessels are closely monitoring the situation while prioritizing the safety of all personnel and coordinating with partners to document and assess these developments.
The incident occurred as the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla, part of a larger international effort, pressed forward with its mission to deliver aid to Gaza's 2.4 million residents who have lived under an Israeli blockade for 18 years.
Footage captured from the Tunisian vessel Deir Yassin showed at least one drone flying over ships in the convoy during nighttime hours. Despite the unusual aerial activity, flotilla organizers maintained that participants remained calm.
"No one panicked. We are prepared for every scenario," said Wael Nawar, a member of the fleet's steering committee, according to earlier reports. The flotilla had cleared Italian waters off Sicily and was moving into international waters near Greece by Sunday.
The Maghreb fleet represents part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which organizers describe as comprising around 50 vessels from multiple continents, including 23 from North Africa and others from Europe, Latin America, the United States, Pakistan, India, and Malaysia. The effort marks the largest maritime convoy of its kind attempting to reach Gaza.
Israel has historically intercepted Gaza-bound ships, seizing vessels and deporting those aboard. The current flotilla's progress comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where UN investigators recently concluded that Israel is committing genocide in the territory, where more than 65,000 people have been killed since October 2023.
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