Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, currently sailing toward Gaza with humanitarian aid, denounced today what they describe as a smear campaign by the Israeli government aimed at labeling them as terrorists and discrediting the initiative.

From one of the vessels, Mexican volunteer Carlos Pérez Osorio stated via social media that the Israeli government has carried out intimidating actions intended to justify a larger-scale aggression and divert attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

While navigating the Mediterranean Sea, south of Crete, Pérez Osorio confirmed that Israel had launched a digital advertising campaign linking the flotilla to terrorist organizations.

“Israel’s national security minister, Ben Gvir, has proposed that volunteers be classified as terrorists, alleging that we are not bringing humanitarian aid. This is not only an insult, but it also paves the way for actions such as arbitrary detentions, imprisonment, and other forms of punishment,” the activist said.

The smear campaign has been accompanied by physical actions, including an incident reported in the early hours of September 24, when the flotilla came under at least 13 explosions, drone attacks, flares, and the release of suspected chemical substances against several vessels in international waters off the coast of Crete.

Pérez Osorio also denounced alleged interference with their communications, describing it as a form of “psychological warfare.”

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories, raised concerns about these incidents and demanded “immediate international attention and protection” for the crew members.

In response to Israeli accusations, flotilla members insist on the peaceful and transparent nature of their mission, denounce Israel’s intimidation efforts, and reaffirm that their objective is to open a humanitarian corridor and put an end to famine and the siege of Gaza.

The flotilla, made up of 51 boats carrying activists from 45 countries—including Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg—continues on its course, determined to “push the real narrative” of solidarity in the face of what they describe as a campaign to conceal crimes committed in the Strip.