Israeli Military Operations Target Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Washington — CBS News has uncovered that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sanctioned military actions against two vessels from a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid and activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, early last month.
Two U.S. intelligence officials who briefed CBS under anonymity revealed that Israeli forces operated drones from a submarine on September 8 and 9, releasing incendiary devices on boats anchored near the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, resulting in a fire. This conduct raises serious legal concerns, as international humanitarian law prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against civilians.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade of Gaza since 2009, following Hamas’s acquisition of control over the region after a brief civil conflict with the Fatah party, which represents Arab Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces did not comment on CBS News’ inquiry regarding this incident.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which initiated the international effort to breach Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid, reported that an incendiary device struck the Portuguese-flagged Family on September 8. Activists indicated that the attack occurred while Portuguese lawmaker Mariana Mortágua was absent, suggesting the attackers intentionally delayed their action.
On the following day, the British-flagged Alma faced a similar assault. Both vessels suffered fire damage, but crews managed to extinguish it without any casualties. In response, the Global Sumud Flotilla condemned the attacks and called for immediate investigations into the incidents, asserting that they place civilians and humanitarian workers at risk.
While Tunisian authorities contested the claim that drones caused the fires, stating preliminary findings suggested an internal explosion, footage from the Global Sumud Flotilla seemingly confirms an external source of ignition. In other incidents by late September, activists reported encounters with drones while near Greece, leading to further disruption without reported injuries.
This week, Israeli naval forces apprehended most of the vessels heading towards Gaza, including Thunberg and other activists, prompting international backlash. U.S. citizens on the flotilla are also in custody, with the State Department monitoring the situation and advocating for U.S. citizen support while labeling the flotilla as an unnecessary provocation.
Among those detained are Marine Corps veteran Jessica Clotfelter and Greg Stoker, who articulated their humanitarian mission, emphasizing the dire conditions in Gaza and their commitment to providing aid despite escalating violence.
