Tunisia: Aid flotilla bound for Gaza reports drone attack in Tunisian port; Authorities deny claims
A humanitarian flotilla en route to Gaza reported being struck by a drone while docked in the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said. Organizers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) stated that the Portuguese-flagged “Family Boat” was hit by an “incendiary device,” causing a fire on the main deck. All passengers and crew, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, were unharmed.
Tunisian authorities firmly denied the allegations. A National Guard spokesperson stated that no drone activity was detected and suggested the explosion may have originated onboard. An investigation is underway.
The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona last week, aims to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver aid. This incident follows previous setbacks, including the interception of an aid boat by Israeli forces in June.
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, present at the port, warned that if verified, such an attack would constitute a violation of Tunisian sovereignty. The GSF remains determined to continue its mission despite what it calls acts of intimidation.
The situation underscores rising tensions around maritime aid efforts to Gaza, where a UN-backed famine persists amid ongoing conflict.
