Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to break Gaza siege targeted by drone, eye witnesses say

The Global Sumud Flotilla, a Gaza-bound aid mission carrying activists from 44 countries including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, reported that one of its boats was hit by a drone strike on Tuesday near the Tunisian coast.

According to the group, the vessel struck — known as the “Family Boat” and sailing under the Portuguese flag — was carrying members of the flotilla’s steering committee. All passengers and crew were reported safe. UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, was also aboard the mission.

In a statement, the organisers said: “One of the main boats was struck by a drone. An investigation is underway… Acts of aggression will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza continues.”

Videos released on social media by the flotilla show the moment part of the ship caught fire, allegedly after being hit.

However, Tunisian authorities disputed the claim. National Guard spokesperson Houcem Eddine Jebabli told AFP that no drones had been detected. He said preliminary findings indicated a fire broke out among life jackets on the vessel, which had been anchored about 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said after arriving from Spain. “The investigation is ongoing and no drone has been detected,” he said. Local media also quoted officials attributing the incident to an internal fire.

The flotilla set sail from Barcelona in August, aiming to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It was the second such convoy after another ship, Madleen — carrying Thunberg — was intercepted last week by Israeli forces about 185 km from Gaza’s coast. Those on board were detained and later deported.

Israel has already signaled that it is prepared to act against the Sumud flotilla as well.