The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) claimed on Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone at Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port, though all passengers and crew survived. However, Tunisian authorities denied the claim, stating that the boat caught fire internally rather than being hit from the air. This conflicting narrative sparked international attention and raised concerns about safety.
According to the GSF, the Portuguese-flagged boat, which carried the flotilla’s steering committee, suffered serious fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage. In contrast, Tunisia’s interior ministry insisted the reports of a drone attack had “no basis in truth.” Videos released by the flotilla on X appeared to show a luminous flying object hitting the vessel before smoke rose into the sky.
Crowds quickly gathered outside the port following the incident, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine.” Witnesses reported heightened emotions as activists and supporters expressed solidarity with Gaza. The flotilla, involving participants from 44 countries, aims to break Israel’s long-standing naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to the war-torn enclave.
The blockade has been in place since 2007, after Hamas took control of Gaza. Israel says the blockade prevents weapons from reaching the militant group, but aid groups warn it has caused devastating humanitarian crises. Since October 2023, Israel’s military operations have intensified following Hamas’s deadly attack, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and parts of Gaza in famine.
In June, Israeli forces seized a British-flagged yacht carrying flotilla members, including Greta Thunberg. Israel dismissed that mission as propaganda, while flotilla leaders accused Israel of attempting to silence international solidarity efforts. The GSF said it is investigating the drone incident in Tunisia and vowed its mission to “break the siege” will continue undeterred.
The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, present at the port, commented that while the attacker remains unknown, suspicions point toward Israel. She warned that if confirmed, the act would represent not only an assault on the flotilla but also an attack on Tunisian sovereignty.