Reports: Netanyahu Sanctioned Drone Strikes on Gaza Aid Boats

According to CBS News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized military operations targeting humanitarian boats headed for Gaza, including activists such as Greta Thunberg. These operations were personally approved by Netanyahu as per sources familiar with the situation.

Two American intelligence officials disclosed that Israeli forces used drones to drop incendiary devices onto two ships part of a flotilla off the coast of Tunisia on September 8 and 9. These sources spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information.

The use of incendiary weapons against civilian objects is strictly restricted under international law, which underscores the seriousness of these allegations.

Israel has maintained a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, which it officially declared in 2009 following internal conflict within the Palestinian territories that saw Hamas seize control.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, the organization behind this initiative, intended to breach Israel's maritime blockade and supply aid to Gaza, underlining their non-violent objectives.

Details of the Attacks

On the night preceding the attack on September 8, the Family, a vessel under the Portuguese flag, was hit. Legislator Mariana Mortágua from Portugal had been aboard the night before, as reported by the flotilla organizers, indicating the attack was timed to avoid high-profile passengers.

Similarly, the following day, another vessel, the Alma, flying the British flag, was assaulted in a comparable manner. While both ships incurred damage, the fires were extinguished without loss of life or injury.

The Global Sumud Flotilla remarked that if Israel's involvement is confirmed, it would highlight an ongoing pattern of impunity and reckless endangerment of civilian and humanitarian interests.

They have implored for independent investigations, emphasizing their resolve to continue supporting the Palestinian cause despite these intimidations.

Conflicting Reports and Reactions

Tunisian authorities contradicted reports of drone involvement, suggesting the fire originated internally, a stance echoed by some pro-Israeli factions online.

However, video evidence obtained from the flotilla displayed an external fiery projectile hitting one of the boats, challenging this narrative.

In separate incidents, the flotilla accused unidentified drones of targeting their vessels near Greece, causing damage and communications disruptions.

International Tensions Rising

Recently, Israeli forces detained numerous activists and seized most of the flotilla's vessels, prompting international backlash.

Among those detained were American participants, drawing the attention of the U.S. State Department, which labeled the flotilla's actions as provocation amid ongoing negotiations for peace in the region.

Despite facing arrests and challenges, flotilla members like Jessica Clotfelter and Greg Stoker reaffirmed their mission's humanitarian nature, expressing a commitment to deliver aid and draw attention to the enduring crises in Gaza.