Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently approved military actions against two boats linked to the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, which included activists such as Greta Thunberg. This incident reportedly took place on September 8 and 9, when drones launched from a submarine dropped incendiary devices on the vessels near the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, igniting fires on board.
International humanitarian law prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against civilians. Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since 2009, following Hamas’s takeover after a violent conflict with the Fatah party. The blockade has drawn significant international scrutiny.
On September 8, the Portuguese-flagged vessel Family was targeted. The Global Sumud Flotilla noted that a prominent Portuguese lawmaker was not on board during the attack, suggesting it was strategically timed. The following day, another British-flagged ship, Alma, faced a similar assault. Fortunately, the flames were quickly extinguished, and there were no injuries reported among the crew.
The Global Sumud Flotilla expressed their outrage, stating, “These attacks recklessly endangered civilians and humanitarian volunteers.” They are calling for independent investigations into the incidents. Alternate accounts from Tunisian authorities have suggested that the fires may have started from inside the boats, a claim supported by some pro-Israeli social media circles. However, footage from the flotilla contradicts this, showing the flames descending onto the boats.
Additionally, reports indicate that in late September, flotilla activists encountered low-altitude drone attacks while sailing near Greece, causing damage but no casualties.
The news has generated strong reactions worldwide, particularly as activists aboard the flotilla aim to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, a territory severely affected by ongoing conflict. American citizens on board, including Marine Corps veteran Jessica Clotfelter, described the dire situation in Gaza, calling the images they’ve seen “heartbreaking.”
The U.S. State Department stated it is monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, critics of the flotilla, including some officials, labeled it a reckless provocation amid ongoing efforts to negotiate peace.
This situation underscores the complexities of humanitarian efforts in conflict zones, reflecting broader geopolitical issues around aid delivery and military actions. As calls for accountability grow louder, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and safety for all involved.
For more details on international humanitarian law, you can visit this ICRC resource.
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Israel, Gaza, Netanyahu
