Israel, Gaza Aid Flotilla Brace for a Confrontation at Sea

The pro-Palestine activists and others aboard the flotilla of boats heading for Gaza were off the coast of Crete when their marine radios crackled to life in the night. Abba hits including “Dancing Queen” took over channel 16, the international frequency used by vessels for safety or distress calls.

“I thought it was a prank. Instead, it was the start of the operation,” said Italian lawmaker Arturo Scotto, who was on night duty on one of the boats. Suddenly the sky lighted up with flashes followed by loud bangs as low-flying drones hovered above. One of the boats suffered damage to its mast and had to abandon the voyage.