Tunis: The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza reported that one of its key vessels, the 'Family Boat,' was allegedly hit by a drone off the coast of Tunisia. The incident occurred early Tuesday, involving the boat carrying pro-Palestinian advocates, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. However, Tunisian authorities have denied these claims.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tunisia's state TAP news agency quoted the Interior Ministry saying that the Portuguese-flagged ship was not struck by a drone while anchored outside the port of Sidi Bou Said. The ministry clarified that security units inspected the scene and found that a fire was caused by a life jacket igniting, which was quickly contained without causing injuries or material damage, except for the burning of several jackets.
Earlier, the flotilla had stated that the boat was hit by a drone in Tunisian waters. They released footage from another boat purportedly showing the moment the 'Family Boat' was struck from above. The footage, presented in black and white, seemed to depict an incendiary object falling onto the boat, causing an explosion and fire.
The vessel included crew members from the Madeleine, a previous aid flotilla vessel seized by the Israeli military in June. Alongside Thunberg, other activists such as Yasemin Acar, Brazilian Thiago Avila, and Turkish Suayb Ordu were on board. The flotilla assured that all passengers and crew were unharmed and that an investigation is ongoing, promising to release more information when available.
In a statement, the flotilla emphasized that acts of aggression intended to intimidate and derail their mission would not deter them. They reiterated their commitment to their peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and express solidarity with its people. Acar, a member of the steering committee, also described in an Instagram video how a drone allegedly released a bomb, leading to the fire on the boat.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic term for 'steadfastness,' comprises over 50 ships with participants including doctors, journalists, and campaigners from various countries. Approximately 150 activists from Tunisia, Turkey, Europe, Africa, and Asia are involved in the initiative, which set sail from Barcelona in late August and is expected to leave Tunisia for Gaza on Wednesday.
The flotilla's mission is to challenge Israel's blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on Aug. 22 that famine has taken hold in northern Gaza and warned of its potential spread due to Israel's ongoing blockade.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has entered its 700th day, with over 64,500 Palestinians killed. The conflict has caused severe devastation in the region, which is currently facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
