The aid flotilla which is attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza has been attacked by drones in international waters off the coast of Greece. The move is widely seen as an escalation of Israel’s attempts to stop the flotilla from reaching its destination.

The organisers said at least 13 explosions were heard on and around boats and objects were dropped on at least 10 boats from drones or aircraft.

The 51-vessel flotilla carrying food and essential supplies has about 500 international volunteers, including Irish pro-Palestine activists.

Italy is to send a naval ship to come to the vessels’ assistance while Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez said his country is sending a warship to protect the flotilla.

“The government of Spain insists that international law be respected and that the right of our citizens should be respected to sail through the Mediterranean in safe conditions,” he said.

Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews is among 22 Irish participants on the flotilla and he has called on the Government to protect its citizens on the flotilla and “as a matter of urgency, they need to arrange for an observer vessel to accompany the flotilla to ensure Israel does not violate the human rights of its participants”.

So what will happen next? Irish Times reporter Naomi O’Leary, who has been talking to people on the flotilla, explains.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair. 

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