Reports from the flotilla

Earlier in the night, 15 drones were reported over the vessel Alma, which includes Greek participant Maria Kosmidi. According to detailed updates from the fleet, several boats were struck by flash-bang devices and one by an unspecified chemical capsule that reportedly fell into the sea. Initial accounts listed no injuries, with damage assessments under way on multiple vessels. The flotilla’s incident log included:

  • Ohwayla: hit by a flash-bang; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Yulara: received an unknown chemical device; the capsule bounced into the water; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Otaria: hit by a flash-bang on the main mast; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Maria Cristina: targeted twice by flash-bangs above deck; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Selvaggia: hit by a flash-bang; no injuries.

  • Morgana: hit by a flash-bang; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Zefiro: hit by a flash-bang; no injuries; confirmed mast damage.

  • Hio: hit three times by flash-bangs; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Taigete: hit by a flash-bang; no injuries; damage assessment in progress.

  • Luna Bark: hit by a flash-bang; damage assessment under way for crew and vessel.

March to Gaza Greece reiterated that the attacks occurred inside the Greek SAR area and urged immediate protective action by the authorities.

Political responses in Greece

The New Left stated that at 02.00 the flotilla “was subjected to nine attacks with drones, flash-bangs, chemicals and interference” while within the Greek SAR zone. The party argued that this places “sole responsibility” on the Greek government for crew protection and navigational safety. It characterised official silence as not merely inaction but “a violation of international obligations and an act of complicity,” asserting that unhindered action by Israel inside the Greek SAR “violates human rights” and undermines Greece’s sovereignty and credibility. The New Left demanded that the government and the Coast Guard fulfil their constitutional and international duties to protect every ship and life within their area of responsibility, and called for vigilance and public pressure to prevent a potential tragedy.

MeRA25 condemned what it termed a “terrorist” attack by Israel on eight flotilla ships using drones carrying explosives and unknown chemicals. The party said efforts were also under way to neutralise and silence the mission through signal jamming, alleging that an international far-right coalition had mobilised against it. MeRA25 noted the incident took place in international waters near Crete and said this highlighted the failure of Greece’s policy of strategic alignment with Israel. It called on the Greek government to defend international law, condemn “piratic actions” occurring “next to Greece’s territorial waters,” and support mobilisations to create a protection network for the solidarity fleet.

Italian government response

Italy announced the deployment of the multi-purpose frigate Fasan to the area to help ensure the safety of Italian citizens and political figures aboard the flotilla, following what it described as a barrage of flash-bang drone attacks approximately 30 nautical miles from Gavdos. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said the frigate, already operating north of Crete under the “Safe Sea” mission, had been ordered to move towards the fleet for possible rescue operations and to guarantee the safety of Italian nationals, including members of the Italian and European parliaments. He expressed strong condemnation of the attack, noting that the perpetrators of the drone strikes had not been identified.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy had asked Israel to guarantee the safety of Italian citizens and parliamentarians and stressed that any operation by Israeli forces must comply with international law and the principle of “absolute caution.” He instructed the Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and reiterate the request for “absolute protection” of those on board.

Italian Green MEP Benedetta Scuderi, who is part of the mission, told public radio RAI that drones attacked with flash-bangs, one of which hit her sailboat’s mast and caused extensive damage to the mainsail. “We are in international waters south of Crete and we were under attack for three hours without anyone intervening,” she said.

A Greek Coast Guard official, quoted by Reuters, stated that the flotilla contacted the Hellenic Coast Guard at around 02.00 to report the incident and that, when approached by Frontex, they said they did not require assistance.

Italian trade union statement

The General Confederation of Italian Workers (CGIL) condemned the overnight attacks and called on the Italian government to act immediately to ensure the safety of everyone on board and to enable the humanitarian mission to proceed. CGIL urged participation in solidarity events, reiterated demands for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to Gaza, and called for steps including recognition of the State of Palestine, movement towards a two-state solution, the release of hostages and political prisoners, and the suspension of military and commercial agreements with Israel. The union said it was prepared to declare a general strike in the event of further attacks, blockades or seizures of ships or materials.

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