Gaza aid Flotilla reports drone strikes, explosions off Greek coast
Athens: Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists reported that their vessels came under suspected drone attacks in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Greece on late Tuesday night (September 23, 2025).
The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement that “multiple drones, unidentified objects dropped, communications jammed and explosions heard from a number of boats” had been recorded. The group did not immediately confirm whether there were casualties.
German human rights activist Yasemin Acar, speaking in a video posted on Instagram, said five vessels had been struck. “We are carrying only humanitarian aid. We have no weapons. We pose no threat to anyone. It is Israel who is killing thousands of people and starving a whole population,” she said.
Another activist, Brazilian campaigner Thiago Avila, reported that four boats had been “targeted with drones throwing devices” shortly before an explosion was heard in the background of his recording. The flotilla’s official social media page also shared footage of an explosion allegedly captured from its vessel Spectre at “01:43 GMT +3”.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona earlier this month, comprises 51 vessels, most currently near the Greek island of Crete. It seeks to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver supplies to civilians. Among its participants is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The convoy had already reported two suspected drone strikes while docked in Tunisia earlier in September. Israel, which on Monday reaffirmed it would not allow the flotilla to reach Gaza, previously blocked two similar activist-led sea missions in June and July.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
