A boat from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), carrying aid for Gaza, caught fire in Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port late Monday night. GSF claims the vessel was attacked by a drone, which caused a fire onboard. However, Tunisian authorities denied the claim, calling the fire accidental and saying it may have been caused by a cigarette or lighter. Despite the fire, all passengers and crew members remained safe.
GSF insists the fire was a result of an Israeli drone strike targeting the “Family Boat”—a vessel sailing under a Portuguese flag. The boat was carrying six people, including key members of the group’s steering committee. They managed to extinguish the fire, but parts of the main and lower decks were damaged. GSF plans to release more evidence and details soon.
Videos shared on social media by GSF show a fireball striking the boat and a loud explosion. In one clip, crew members react to a sudden blast, while another eyewitness claims to have seen a drone hovering four meters above the ship. GSF spokesperson Saif Abu Khashiq blamed Israel, stating no other actor could be responsible for the attack, given Israel’s ongoing siege and past aggression.
In contrast, Tunisia’s National Guard stated there was no sign of an attack or hostile activity. They said the blaze likely started due to a flammable object like a cigarette igniting life jackets onboard. Despite this, the United Nations special rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese—who is also part of the flotilla—warned that if proven, the attack would be a violation of Tunisia’s sovereignty.
Despite the incident, GSF organizers confirmed the mission will continue. The flotilla, comprising over 50 boats and activists from 44 countries, aims to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. High-profile participants include Greta Thunberg, Mandla Mandela, and French actress Adèle Haenel. The convoy set off from Spain on August 31 and is expected to leave Tunisia for Gaza on Wednesday, August 10.