The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which includes climate activist Greta Thunberg, reported that its primary vessel, the Family Boat, was struck by a drone while docked off the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said.
The attack allegedly caused a fire on the main deck and below-deck storage areas late Monday night. Fortunately, all passengers and crew aboard were unharmed.
In contrast, Tunisian officials firmly denied any drone involvement. After an initial investigation, Tunisia’s National Guard stated that the fire likely originated from a cigarette or lighter inside the boat rather than any external attack. They dismissed the drone strike allegations as "entirely baseless."
What does the Global Sumud Flotilla claim happened?
The flotilla shared videos showing what they described as the moment a drone dropped an explosive device on the Family Boat, causing the fire. Witness Miguel Duarte described seeing a drone hovering just above the ship before the explosion, calling the event a deliberate attack attributed to Israeli forces.
GSF spokesperson Saif Abukeshek accused Israel of carrying out the strike, citing a history of attempts to intimidate flotillas attempting to break the Gaza naval blockade. Despite the incident, the flotilla announced plans to continue its mission.
Did you know?
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the largest civilian maritime mission to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza, with over 50 vessels from 44 countries.
How did Tunisian authorities respond to the incident?
The Tunisian Interior Ministry and National Guard rejected the drone attack narrative, asserting that no drones were detected in the area. They cite their initial findings that the blaze started inside the vessel, possibly by a carelessly discarded cigarette.
Tunisian authorities also emphasized respect for their territorial sovereignty and promised a full investigation into the fire. They called for a calm approach, warning against spreading misinformation.
What evidence supports and opposes the drone strike claim?
Supporters of the drone attack point to security footage and eyewitness reports that document a hovering drone followed by an explosion. Videos circulated by the flotilla show the bright flash and rapid spread of fire aboard the ship.
Opponents, primarily Tunisian officials, contend that an accidental fire is still the most likely cause and that no drone was visible on official surveillance. The conflicting accounts have fueled a debate over truth and propaganda amid heightened tensions.
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What is the mission of the Global Sumud Flotilla?
The flotilla aims to deliver essential aid, including food, water, and medicine, to Gaza, which is under a severe Israeli naval blockade. The mission is described as peaceful civil resistance against what the flotilla calls an illegal siege causing humanitarian suffering.
Comprised of over 50 vessels with participants from 44 countries, including prominent activists, the flotilla recently departed Barcelona and is nearing Gaza via Tunisian waters, despite multiple threats and prior naval interceptions.
What are the broader geopolitical implications?
This event highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Gaza and Israel, involving humanitarian concerns, political activism, and regional security. Tunisia’s denial and the flotilla’s accusation exacerbate international disputes and demonstrate the complex nature of Middle East conflicts.
The flotilla’s persistence, despite risks and conflicting narratives, stresses the global push for easing Gaza’s blockade and raising awareness of human suffering faced by Palestinians under blockade conditions.
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