Organizers of a Gaza-bound flotilla have claimed that one of their boats, anchored off the coast of Tunisia, was hit by a suspected drone late on Monday, an incident that caused a fire on board but resulted in no injuries. The incident has prompted conflicting statements from activists and Tunisian officials.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a mission to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, stated on social media that a suspected drone struck its main vessel, the “Family Boat,” while it was docked near the port of Sidi Bou Said. Security camera footage shared by the group shows a flaming object falling onto the boat’s deck, followed by a fire that was quickly extinguished by the crew. Portuguese activist Miguel Duarte, who was on board, claimed he saw a drone hovering just four meters above the vessel before it dropped what he called “obviously a bomb.” The GSF has blamed Israel for the attack.
In a direct contradiction, Tunisian officials have denied that any drone was involved. A spokesman for the Tunisian National Guard, Houcem Eddine Jebabli, stated that “no drones have been detected” and that preliminary investigations suggest the fire was caused by a cigarette or lighter igniting a life jacket. Tunisian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Despite the attack, organizers have stated their mission will not be deterred. The flotilla, which includes high-profile participants such as climate activist Greta Thunberg and UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese, is set to continue its journey to Gaza. This incident comes after two previous attempts by activists to deliver aid to Gaza by sea were blocked by Israel earlier this year.
