Israeli Drones Strike Gaza-Bound Flotilla in International Waters Amid Global Outcry

Gaza-Bound Flotilla Attacked by Drones Amid International Outcry In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a fleet of small boats carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was attacked by Israeli drones in international waters. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising volunteers from 45 countries, had set sail with the aim of breaking Israel's siege on Gaza and delivering much-needed food and medical supplies. According to eyewitnesses, including Tommy Marcus, a volunteer who goes by Quentin Quarantino on Instagram, the attack was sudden and unexpected. "It's pretty jarring," Marcus said in an interview with The Intercept Briefing. "I'm not going to lie. I'd love to put on this really tough, confident face and say I'm totally fearless. But I'm just a normal guy, and I expect and hope to live past 30." The flotilla, which had set sail from the port city of Kibbutz Zikim in Israel, was intercepted by Israeli drones while navigating through international waters. The attack marked the latest attempt by Israel to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, a territory under its military occupation since 2005. Diana Buttu, a former legal adviser to the Palestine Liberation Organization and an analyst on issues related to Palestine and Israel, described Israel's blockade of all entrances to the Gaza Strip as "illegal." "The blockade is a collective punishment that violates international law," Buttu said. "It's a form of apartheid that denies Palestinians their basic human rights." The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest in a series of attempts by activists and humanitarian organizations to break Israel's siege on Gaza. Previous flotillas have been met with varying degrees of resistance, including violent confrontations between Israeli naval forces and protesters. Despite the risks, volunteers like Marcus remain resolute in their mission to deliver aid to Gaza. "There is truly no way to deter us," he said. "I suppose, unless they kill us. But let's hope that doesn't happen." The attack on the flotilla has sparked international outcry, with human rights organizations and governments around the world condemning Israel's actions. The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, called on Israel to respect international law and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. As the situation continues to unfold, the Global Sumud Flotilla remains at sea, with volunteers determined to complete their mission despite the risks. "We're not going to be deterred," Marcus said. "We'll keep sailing until we reach our destination." Background: Israel's blockade of Gaza has been in place since 2005, when it withdrew its military forces from the territory. The blockade restricts the movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza, making it one of the most isolated territories in the world. The blockade has had devastating consequences for the population of Gaza, which is estimated to be over 2 million people. The territory suffers from severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, with many residents relying on international aid to survive. Additional Perspectives: The attack on the flotilla has also sparked debate among Israeli politicians and activists. Some have defended Israel's actions as necessary to prevent "terrorist" activity in Gaza, while others have criticized the government for its handling of the situation. In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that it would continue to enforce its blockade on Gaza, citing security concerns. However, human rights organizations and international observers have accused Israel of using excessive force against protesters and humanitarian workers. Current Status: The Global Sumud Flotilla remains at sea, with volunteers continuing their mission to deliver aid to Gaza. The Israeli Navy has reportedly surrounded the flotilla, but it is unclear what further action will be taken. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention remains focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the role of Israel's blockade in exacerbating the situation. *Reporting by Theintercept.*