Tunisian authorities have denied allegations that a drone attacked a Gaza-bound aid flotilla carrying activist Greta Thunberg, while organizers insist an external incendiary device caused a fire on board, with all crew members safe. The conflicting accounts emerged as the flotilla, aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza, faced another setback in its humanitarian mission.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), organizing the aid convoy, reported that a Portuguese-flagged vessel was struck by a drone while anchored off the coast of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia. They stated that the attack caused a fire on the main deck and in below-deck storage areas, but emphasized that all six passengers and crew were unharmed and managed to extinguish the blaze quickly. In videos shared on social media, GSF spokespeople described the incident as an intentional act aimed at derailing their peaceful mission to deliver aid to Gaza.
In response, Tunisia’s National Guard spokesperson firmly rejected these claims, telling news agencies that no drone activity was detected in the area. Initial investigations suggested the explosion originated from inside the vessel, possibly due to an internal fault or mishap, and authorities are continuing their probe to determine the exact cause. This denial was echoed in local media reports, where officials labeled the drone attack allegations as baseless and without evidence.
Crew member Miguel Duarte provided a firsthand account, describing in an Instagram video how a drone approached the ship slowly and dropped what he called a bomb on the forward deck. He expressed relief that no one was injured but highlighted the potential dangers, referencing past attacks on humanitarian workers in conflict zones. His testimony added a personal dimension to the organizers’ assertions, though it remains unverified by independent sources.
Francesca Albanese, the U.N. Special Rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza who was present at the port, called for a thorough investigation, stating that if a drone attack were confirmed, it would constitute an assault on Tunisian sovereignty. She has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has previously faced sanctions for her views, adding a layer of geopolitical tension to the incident. Albanese’s involvement underscores the international attention and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the flotilla.
The flotilla, comprising around 20 boats with participants from 44 countries, set sail from Barcelona last week and arrived in Tunisia on Sunday as part of its journey to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. This is not the first obstacle faced by such missions; in June, Israeli forces intercepted a previous flotilla vessel, detaining activists including Thunberg, and there have been prior allegations of drone attacks on aid ships, such as one off Malta in May.
The broader context includes a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the U.N. has confirmed famine conditions due to aid restrictions. Israel maintains that flotillas like this are publicity stunts that do not provide genuine assistance, instead advocating for its own aid distribution methods. This incident highlights the ongoing struggles and risks associated with civilian-led efforts to deliver aid to conflict zones, and it may prompt further international scrutiny and calls for independent investigations into the events.