The Global Sumud Flotilla, an aid ship to Gaza carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg and civilians from 44 nations, was damaged in an alleged drone strike off the Tunisian coast on Tuesday, though Tunisian authorities disputed the claim.
The Portuguese-flagged vessel, carrying members of the flotilla’s steering committee, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage, according to the GSF. All passengers and crew were reported safe.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats, known as the ‘Family Boat’ — that was carrying GSF Steering Committee members — was struck by a drone. The boat was under the Portuguese flag and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway and when more information is available it will be released immediately,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” it added.
Tunisian authorities denied that the ship had been struck by a drone. A National Guard spokesman told local broadcaster Mosaique FM that “reports of a drone attack have no basis in truth”, saying an initial inspection suggested the explosion originated from inside the vessel itself.
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The flotilla forms part of an international campaign to deliver humanitarian aid to war-hit Gaza, with civilian boats backed by delegations from several countries. After the reported incident, large crowds gathered at Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port, where the flotilla had docked, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine,” according to a Reuters witness.
Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, following Hamas’ takeover of the territory, arguing the measure is needed to prevent weapons from reaching the group.
The blockade has persisted through successive conflicts, including the current war that erupted in October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.
Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has since killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. A global hunger monitor has warned that parts of the strip are already experiencing famine conditions.
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