{"id":55264,"date":"2025-09-24T10:17:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T18:17:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/?p=55264"},"modified":"2025-09-24T10:17:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T18:17:41","slug":"global-sumud-flotilla-boats-attacked-by-israeli-drones-in-waters-off-greek-island-of-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/2025\/09\/24\/global-sumud-flotilla-boats-attacked-by-israeli-drones-in-waters-off-greek-island-of-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"Global Sumud Flotilla Boats Attacked by Israeli Drones in Waters off Greek Island of Crete"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As the Israeli government continues unabated its horrific genocide of Palestinians and the destruction of housing and infrastructure in Gaza, in the third attack on the 42-ship Global Sumud flotilla, drones attacked multiple boats in international waters southwest of the Greek island of Crete, this morning September 24, 2025.<\/p>\n<p>In May 2025, another flotilla ship, the Conscience, was attacked in international waters off Malta. It was damaged by Israeli bombs that blew holes in the deck of the ship\u2019s bow causing severe damage in the hold in the bow of the ship.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/news\/2025\/7\/14\/israel-killing-gaza-civilians-with-commercial-drones-probe-finds\">These assassin drones<\/a> have ruthlessly and systematically killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza over the past two years.<\/p>\n<p><strong>14 Sailboats Attacked by Chemical Devices, \u201cFlashbangs\u201d and Detonation Cords<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>14 sailboats have been confirmed to have been attacked in the early morning hours of September 24 using chemical devices or \u201cflashbangs\u201d on steroids.<\/p>\n<p>Detonation cords dropped from drones landed on several boats very near fuel cannisters.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-55269\" src=\"https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2230\" height=\"818\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-300x110.png 300w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-1024x376.png 1024w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-768x282.png 768w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-1536x563.png 1536w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-2048x751.png 2048w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-1080x396.png 1080w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-1280x470.png 1280w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-980x359.png 980w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM-480x176.png 480w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.00-AM.png 2230w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2230px) 100vw, 2230px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-55270\" src=\"https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"2362\" height=\"1270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-300x161.png 300w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-1024x551.png 1024w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-768x413.png 768w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-1536x826.png 1536w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-2048x1101.png 2048w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-1080x581.png 1080w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-1280x688.png 1280w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-980x527.png 980w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb-480x258.png 480w, https:\/\/d27srd8s9736cr.cloudfront.net\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-24-at-8.21.54-AMb.png 2362w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2362px) 100vw, 2362px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Mayday Signal Sent to Greek Coast Guard Went Unanswered <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When the drone attacks began, the flotilla sent a Mayday signal to the Greek Coast Guard, but not surprisingly, no Coast Guard vessel arrived to check on what was happening to the boats.<\/p>\n<p>In 2011, the Greek government was paid off by the Israeli government <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Hnyh-lZDLVw\">to stop ten flotilla boats from departing Greek waters<\/a> to break the illegal Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Attacks on Global Sumud Sailboats<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The following are brief descriptions of the some of the drone attacks<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ohwayla (US Veterans Boat) was hit by a small flashbang.<\/li>\n<li>Yulara was poured with a chemical device but the capsule that was releasing the chemicals bounced and fell on the water. One person was burned by the chemical.<\/li>\n<li>Otaria was hit by a flashbang at midmast.<\/li>\n<li>Maria Cristina was targeted twice by a flashbang above the deck.<\/li>\n<li>Selvaggia (Women\u2019s Boat from Italy) was hit by a flashbang.<\/li>\n<li>Morgana was hit by a flashbang.<\/li>\n<li>Zefiro was hit by a flashbang. Confirmed damage to the rigging.<\/li>\n<li>Taigete sustained some damage to the mainsail<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Videos describing the attacks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is link has a series of videos in which the attacks are described:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/dropsitenews\/status\/1970627127792775584?s=12&amp;t=LmTi29WSk5nIuU-BzL6sHw\">https:\/\/x.com\/dropsitenews\/status\/1970627127792775584?s=12&amp;t=LmTi29WSk5nIuU-BzL6sHw<\/a> and \u201cFlashbangs\u201d on steroids: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DO9zPp9AjiG\/\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DO9zPp9AjiG\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>24 US Citizens on various boats of the flotilla including U.S. military veterans (with Congressional Districts for calling)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Of the approximately 550 persons on the approximately 50 boats of the Global Sumud flotilla, there are 22 U.S. citizens.<\/p>\n<p>The boat Ohwayla has five U.S. military veterans onboard:<\/p>\n<p>Phil Tottenham- OH 01<br \/>\nZue Jernstedt. NY 10<br \/>\nGreg Stoker TX 37<br \/>\nZuleyka Morales Rivera WV 01<br \/>\nJessica Kaye Clotfelter IL 16<\/p>\n<p>U.S. veteran Najeh Abduljalil is on Familia boat. NV 02<\/p>\n<p>Other US citizens on the Ohwayla:<\/p>\n<p>Logan Hollarsmith AZ 06<br \/>\nWindfield Beaver CA 23<\/p>\n<p><strong>The following U.S. citizens are on other GSF boats (with Congressional districts for calling):<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Carsie Blanton-Paola; NJ 07<br \/>\nEric Lein-Jeannot III. NY 02<br \/>\nAdnaan Stumo -Mikeno MA 01<br \/>\nTor Stumo -Huga MA 01<br \/>\nPaul Reid-Hio OR 03<br \/>\nJasmine Ikeda-Meteque WA 02<br \/>\nMichael Fix-Familia NY 16<br \/>\nTom Marcus \u2013 Familia. NY 15<br \/>\nHannah Smith -Familia. CO 02<br \/>\nGeraldine Ramirez-Mali Mali. AZ 02<br \/>\nStephen Wahab- Alma OR 05<br \/>\nLeila Hegazy-Alma NY 11<br \/>\nIdris Hausler-Alma Lives in the Netherlands<br \/>\nFrank Romano-Spectre NY 01<\/p>\n<p><strong>Italy sending a Navy Frigate to Support Global Sumud Flotilla<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Italy\u2019s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto <a href=\"https:\/\/www.middleeasteye.net\/news\/footage-shows-apparent-attack-gaza-bound-global-sumud-flotilla\">announced that the country is sending a navy frigate to support the Global Sumud Flotilla<\/a>, which aims to break Israel\u2019s blockade of Gaza, after it was targeted by multiple drones on September 24.<\/p>\n<p>Italy had earlier urged Israel to guarantee the safety of the aid ships and the Italian activists on board, noting that members of parliament and MEPs are also part of the flotilla.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commondreams.org\/news\/global-sumud-flotilla-sicily\">Sixteen nations<\/a> have warned Israel to respect international law and not attack the flotilla. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commondreams.org\/news\/global-sumud-flotilla-sicily\">joint statement the foreign ministers<\/a> of Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, and T\u00fcrkiye said, \u201cThe Global Sumud Flotilla has informed about its objective of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and raising awareness about the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people and the need to stop the war in Gaza. We therefore call on everyone to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla and to respect international law and international humanitarian law. We recall that any violation of international law and human rights of the participants in the flotilla, including attacks against the vessels in international waters or illegal detention, will lead to accountability.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Israel Says It Will Not Allow<\/strong><strong> vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow any breach of the naval blockade<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Israel, which blocked two previous attempts by activists to reach Gaza by sea in June and July, has said it will not allow the flotilla to reach the embattled Palestinian territory.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow any breach of the lawful naval blockade. If their intentions are sincere, they should transfer any such aid to the nearby Ashkelon Marina so it can be forwarded promptly to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.france24.com\/en\/tag\/gaza-strip\/\">Gaza Strip<\/a> in a non-violent manner,&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.france24.com\/en\/middle-east\/20250924-multiple-drones-attack-aid-flotilla-full-of-activists-headed-for-gaza\">foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein said.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>As the world knows, Israel is blocking the entry of hundreds of trucks carrying medical and food aid to starving and sick Palestinians in Gaza.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact US Government Offices and Officials Demanding Action Against the Israeli Genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and the Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians in the West Bank\u2026 and the Israel Bombing of flotilla ships carrying food for the starving Palestinians in Gaza.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact the White House <\/strong> 202-456-1111 and 202-456-1414<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact the Department of State Operations Center: <\/strong>202-647-1512<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact Congress &#8211; <\/strong>Demand that your Senators and Representatives:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Speak out publicly condemning the attack, call for accountability and the flotilla\u2019s safe passage.<\/li>\n<li>Direct the State Department to protect U.S. citizens on board.<\/li>\n<li>Use the power of the purse under Article I of the Constitution to hold Israel accountable and immediately introduce legislation that cuts off U.S.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Leave a voice message. Dial the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.<\/strong><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p><strong>Go further: <\/strong><u><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1N63_v-Sf3KntXRj60XONhcEDAq-Kq2ETFJ-bMb1ctCc\/edit?gid=0#gid=0\">Contact the members of Congress with constituents on board.<\/a><\/u><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Organize vigils, protests, and teach-ins.<\/strong> Make the crisis visible in your communities. This is also an excellent <em>opportunity <\/em>to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people and to push for an end to the genocide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Organize Direct Actions <\/strong>to disrupt complicit entities and dramatize our commitment to resist U.S. complicity in genocide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pressure the media to cover this story <\/strong>of bold, international action to stop genocide. Write op-eds, contact local outlets. Use social media to call out those who enable propaganda. Demand honest coverage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build coalitions<\/strong> with immigrant rights groups, faith organizations, anti-racist and pro-Palestinian justice movements, union locals, and any groups fighting censorship and free speech crackdown.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stand with BDS:<\/strong> Just as <u><a href=\"https:\/\/bdsmovement.net\/\">Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions<\/a><\/u> were crucial in ending apartheid in South Africa, they remain a legitimate nonviolent tool against Israeli apartheid and genocide.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be creative. Be visible. Be loud. Make your voices heard.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Ann Wright is a 29-year U.S. Army veteran who retired as a Colonel. She also was a U.S. diplomat for 16 years. She is on the steering committee of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla coalition and a member of Veterans for Peace and CODEPINK: Women for Peace, among many other peace organizations.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the Israeli government continues unabated its horrific genocide of Palestinians and the destruction of housing and infrastructure in Gaza, in the third attack on the 42-ship Global Sumud flotilla, drones attacked multiple boats in international waters southwest of the Greek island of Crete, this morning September 24, 2025. In May 2025, another flotilla ship, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":251,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"coauthors":[849],"class_list":["post-55264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"meta_box":{"disable_donate_message":"0","custom_donate_message":"","subtitle":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/251"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55264"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55268,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55264\/revisions\/55268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55264"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.antiwar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=55264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}