Israeli bombardment has killed more than 50 people in war-torn Gaza, with the United Nations condemning the military actions as “inflicting terror on the Palestinian population of Gaza City and forcing tens of thousands to flee.” Meanwhile, the Global Sumud Flotilla, attempting to break the sea blockade of Gaza, reported explosions and communications jamming as drones hovered overhead. Israel had warned it would “take the necessary measures” to prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza.
In Germany, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that further sanctions against Israel are “not necessary” despite pressure from Western allies. This marks a divergence in Berlin’s position amid the ongoing conflict. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed sanctions targeting Israel, including ending trade concessions and sanctioning far-right ministers, in response to what she described as an ongoing Israeli genocide. However, Wadephul emphasized that Germany believes current measures are sufficient for now.
Gaza City
In early August, Chancellor Merz had announced a ban on German arms exports to Israel intended for use in Palestine, citing concerns about Israel’s plan to seize and occupy Gaza City. Despite calls from other countries, Germany and Italy continue to oppose immediate recognition of a Palestinian state, with Wadephul arguing that such a move would “only harden the Israeli position” and should come after a two-state solution is achieved.
Reporting from the Mediterranean Sea, Hassan Massoud detailed attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla’s boats by at least 15 drones. These drones conducted reconnaissance for hours before launching assaults involving sound bombs that disrupted sails and chemical substances dropped on some boats. So far, there have been no injury reports. One key vessel, the Alma carrying notable figures such as Mandla Mandela and activist Greta Thunberg was not targeted directly but experienced communications jamming.
The flotilla’s organizers accused Israel of orchestrating these attacks, despite the group’s insistence that their mission is strictly humanitarian and nonviolent, aimed at breaking the siege and delivering aid to Gaza’s besieged population.
