A Drone Hovered Over the Gaza Flotilla Ship. Here’s What Just Happened.

A drone has just been spotted hovering above the Madleen, the civilian aid ship currently en route to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s mission to break the Israeli blockade.

Given the context, many immediately assumed it was an Israeli military drone, and that wouldn’t be hard to believe. Just weeks ago, another flotilla ship was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta, and Israel has a long history of using lethal force against Gaza-bound aid vessels, including the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid that killed 10 civilians. The fear of surveillance or assault is very real.

But this time, it wasn’t the IDF. “Thankfully, everyone on the ‘Madleen’ is safe,” says an Instagram post on behalf of the crew. “Team on the land have heard back from Search And Rescue who have reported that it was a Hellenic Coast Guard Heron surveillance drone. We will update everyone as soon as possible.”

The flotilla remains in international waters and continues its mission. With tensions high and the threat of Israeli interference still looming, supporters are being urged to stay alert and keep eyes on the ship.

Track the Madleen live at freedomflotilla.org or by watching the real-time tracker below. Activists on board include Greta Thunberg, Indya Moore, Liam Cunningham, Rima Hassan, Thiago Ávila, Yanis Mhamdi, Pascal Maurieras, Reva Viard, Omar Faiad, Şuayb Ordu, Mark van Rennes, and Baptiste André.