Drone strike on Gaza aid vessel in Tunisia disputed by authorities, asserted by activist group
In a bid to deliver much-needed food, water, and medicine to the Gaza Strip, the Global Sumud Flotilla has faced multiple drone attacks in Tunisia, causing an 11-day delay before it was scheduled to sail on June 14.
The flotilla, comprising international activists, set sail from Barcelona last week with the aim of breaking the blockade of Gaza. One of its main boats, called the "Family," was allegedly hit by a drone while docked in Tunisia, resulting in a fire. However, all passengers were unharmed.
Notable members aboard the vessel include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor, Ada Colau. Portuguese activist Miguel Duarte, who was aboard the vessel, reported seeing a drone just a few meters above his head before an explosion.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for these attacks. In response, the Israeli government has previously dismissed such efforts as publicity stunts, stating that a blockade is necessary to prevent smuggling, particularly of weapons.
The attack on the flotilla comes three months after a smaller activist flotilla attempted to deliver aid to Gaza. The incident occurred on a boat carrying several activists, including Thunberg and Colau, although it's unclear if they were on board during the reported attack.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people on Oct. 7, 2023, and killed some 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. However, the ministry does not specify how many were civilians or combatants.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with the World's leading authority on food crises stating that the Gaza Strip's largest city is currently in a state of famine, likely to spread across the territory, without a ceasefire and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Thiago Avila, an activist, stated at a press conference that the flotilla continues its mission and has gained more volunteers since the attack. The flotilla is scheduled to leave Tunisia on Wednesday.
Associated Press reported by Bouazza Ben Bouazza and Giada Zampano. Zampano reported from Rome. Sam Metz in Rabat, Morocco, contributed to this report.
Meanwhile, an overland convoy traveling across North Africa also attempted to reach the border but was blocked by security forces aligned with Egypt in eastern Libya. The flotilla's mission remains undeterred, as it continues to push for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
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