Watch: Main Gaza Flotilla Vessel Struck By Drone Off Tunisian Coast
A Gaza-bound aid flotilla says its main vessel was struck by an aerial device off the coast of Tunisia, igniting a fire but causing no casualties. Video footage published by the Global Sumud Flotilla shows the Portuguese-flagged boat Family hit from above, with flames quickly engulfing part of the deck before the blaze was brought under control.
Organisers said the incident happened early Tuesday as the flotilla prepared to depart from the port of Sidi Bou Said. “The boat Family was targeted by an incendiary drone near Tunisia’s shores. Some of our team members were on board, but none of them were hurt,” said flotilla committee member Tiago Ávila. Activists pointed the finger at Israel, alleging that the strike was carried out by an Israeli drone.
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Tunisian authorities acknowledged a fire had broken out and confirmed all six passengers and crew were safe, but denied detecting any drone in the area. A spokesperson for the National Guard told local radio that an initial inspection indicated the explosion might have originated inside the vessel itself.
Despite the conflicting statements, the footage shared online clearly shows an object descending from the air and striking the vessel. UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who was present at the port, said: “Based on the facts as they are currently known, the main flotilla vessel, the Family boat, has been attacked by a drone. Of course, this still needs to be verified, but there is a history of attacks against flotillas, as well as public statements and threats from Israel. If confirmed, this drone attack would constitute an act of aggression against Tunisia and a violation of its sovereignty. We cannot continue to tolerate and normalise such illegal actions.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla – meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic – brings together around 150 activists, including doctors, journalists and campaigners from across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Its mission is the 38th attempt to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which aid groups say has created a humanitarian catastrophe. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is among those linked to the initiative, having previously joined an aid mission intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this year.
Flotilla participants have said they are prepared for “all possible scenarios”, warning that Israeli authorities may attempt to block them through interception, intimidation or further attacks. “The blockade is no longer only a Palestinian issue but a matter of global conscience,” organisers stressed.
The latest incident comes amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. A UN-backed report recently confirmed famine in the territory, blaming Israel’s obstruction of aid. Israel has rejected the findings as “an outright lie” and insists that flotillas are political stunts offering no meaningful relief.
The episode echoes past confrontations, most notably the 2010 raid on the Mavi Marmara, when Israeli commandos killed 10 activists trying to reach Gaza. While no lives were lost in Tunisian waters this week, the sight of a flotilla ship apparently struck from the air is certain to escalate tensions and sharpen scrutiny on Israel’s response to the ongoing campaign to deliver aid by sea.
Footage via @globalsumudflotilla
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