A Greta Thunberg flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza was reportedly intercepted with Abba music, an act the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has blamed on Israel while en route.
Flotilla Intercepted with Abba Music
The flotilla, a movement of dozens of boats from 44 countries, had its radios intercepted and was bombarded with the Abba song “Lay All Your Love On Me” on a loop for hours. “They’re jamming our radio,” said GSF member Yasemin Acar. “We don’t know where this is coming from, the sound, but other vessels are experiencing the same thing.“
The Global Sumud Flotilla also claimed Israeli military drones targeted several ships on Tuesday. The group alleged the drones damaged communication equipment and masts.
Mission to Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
The flotilla is carrying essential supplies, including food, water, and medicine, for civilians in Gaza. The mission is days away from reaching approximately 200 miles off Gaza’s coast.
The war has killed more than 63,000 people, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us,” the GSF stated. “Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve.“
Contested Claims and Official Denials
While the GSF blamed Israel for the drone activity, Tunisian officials rejected a separate claim by the group. Tunisia’s Interior Ministry stated that reports of a drone strike at Sidi Bou Said port “have no basis in truth.” The ministry is currently investigating a fire that occurred on the deck of one of the group’s boats.
The Greta Thunberg Flotilla and Previous Attempts
Greta Thunberg framed the current mission as an act of survival, accusing Israel of violating international law by unlawfully intercepting boats. “The story here is about Palestine,” Thunberg said. “The story here is how people are being deliberately deprived of the very basic means to survive.“
This is Thunberg’s second attempt to deliver aid via a flotilla. In June, Israeli forces stopped her ship, the Madleen, and she was deported along with 11 other people on board.
Context of the Israel Gaza Naval Blockade
Israel has enforced an Israel Gaza naval blockade since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007, stating it is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling. The blockade remains in effect during the current war, which was sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023.
The flotilla’s stated mission is to break this siege and deliver humanitarian aid.
