'We will not be intimidated' - Mandla Mandela condemns drone assault on humanitarian flotilla to Gaza
Israel’s foreign ministry claimed that the flotilla is intended to serve Hamas and urged participants to dock at Ashkelon Marina for coordinated aid transfer. Several passengers sustained minor injuries.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy of international aid vessels sailing toward Gaza, came under attack by drones on Tuesday night, drawing widespread outrage and urgent calls for an international investigation.
South African activist and grandson of Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela, who is accompanying the flotilla, condemned the assault in the strongest terms.
"Last night we had over 17 drones hovering above the flotilla boats and stun grenades were dropped on several of our boats," he said. "We will not be intimidated by apartheid Israel. This only unites us and ensures that we continue to set sail as we focus on our mission of breaking the blockade and ending the siege."
Mandela stressed that the mission remains peaceful despite the attack.
"Ours is to bring the much-needed aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. We continue to be a non-violent mission" he added.
According to those on the flotilla, the attack occurred after midnight in the eastern Mediterranean. Videos posted online showed flashes of light and loud detonations as crew members scrambled for cover.
"There was a sudden buzzing overhead and then an explosion near the deck," a flotilla spokesperson said in a statement. "This was a targeted assault on a humanitarian mission carrying food and medical supplies to besieged civilians in Gaza."
The added that participants reported objects being dropped on atleast 10 boats from drones or aircrafts, causing damage. "No fatalities have been reported. The extent of the damage will be fully assessed in daylight."
Israel, which maintains the naval blockade on Gaza, had issued a warning to the flotilla before the attack.
In a statement released on Monday, the Israeli foreign ministry said: "This flotilla, organised by Hamas, is intended to serve Hamas. Israel will not allow vessels to enter an active combat zone and will not allow the breach of a lawful naval blockade."
The ministry added that the participants had an alternative if their intentions were humanitarian.
"If the flotilla participants' genuine wish is to deliver humanitarian aid rather than serve Hamas, Israel calls on the vessels to dock at the Ashkelon Marina and unload the aid there, from where it will be transferred promptly in a coordinated manner to the Gaza Strip."
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