Once again, Israel has extended its aggression into international waters, reports John Rees 

Six ships in the Global Gaza Flotilla were attacked by Israel early today in international waters: 600 nautical miles away from Gaza, according to the organisers. Drones and stun projectiles struck multiple vessels in what organisers described as a deliberate attempt to halt the aid operation. 

Among the affected vessels was the Ohwayla, which was hit by a small stun bomb but sustained no damage. A similar stun device struck the Otaria mid-mast, while the Maria Cristina was hit above deck. The Yulara was sprayed with an unidentified chemical from a device that plunged into the sea before causing harm.  

No injuries were reported, though the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza said it was still assessing the full impact of the strikes. 

The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted to X threatening that ‘Israel will take the necessary measures to prevent its entry into the combat zone and to stop any violation of a lawful naval blockade’. 

The Italian government has dispatched a naval vessel to accompany the flotilla that has a number of Italian nationals on board. The government is responding to the widespread pro-Palestinian sentiment in Italy. Only this week, a general strike paralysed the country in solidarity with Palestine. Genoa dockers who have been at the heart of the solidarity movement have representatives on the flotilla. 

This is not the first time the flotilla has been attacked. Flotilla ships were attacked by Israeli drones even while they were still in port in Tunis. 

A statement issued by the flotilla said, ‘These attacks … will not stop us from delivering aid and breaking the siege.’ It called on UN member states to intervene immediately, ensure protection, and dispatch naval escorts. The group also urged governments to raise the matter at the UN General Assembly and to push for a resolution condemning the violations.