A pro-Palestinian aid flotilla bound for Gaza has reported that one of its vessels came under drone attack in Tunisian waters, though Tunisian authorities insist the fire on board was accidental.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona carrying activists and humanitarian supplies, said flames broke out on a main vessel after it was “struck from the air”. Video footage posted on social media by organisers appeared to show a flash hitting the boat before the fire erupted. Six people on board were unharmed.
Tunisia’s Interior Ministry rejected the drone-attack claim, telling state news agency TAP that security teams found the fire began with a burning life jacket. Officials reported no casualties or major structural damage.
UN rapporteur on Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese called the incident “alarming” and noted that previous flotilla missions had faced threats and interception attempts, particularly from Israel.
The Global Sumud Flotilla – its name meaning “steadfastness” in Arabic – describes itself as the largest organised effort to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Past efforts have been blocked, including an Italian-led boat earlier this year and the Madleen, seized by Israeli forces in June with climate activist Greta Thunberg on board.
Organisers plan to brief the media on the reported incident today.
