Gaza Aid Activists Report Drone Attack on Ship

A group advocating for humanitarian assistance to Gaza, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), stated that a drone struck one of their ships. However, Tunisia’s Home Ministry later disputed this accusation, saying there was “no basis for truth” regarding the claims of a drone attack. Instead, they are investigating a fire that occurred on the vessel’s deck.

This statement from Tunisian officials came after the GSF declared that one of their main ships was hit by a drone while en route to deliver aid. The ship, flagged under Portugal, reportedly sustained damage on its main deck and below, but thankfully, no one on board was injured.

Video shared by the GSF on social media displayed a flash of light impacting one of the boats, seemingly igniting a fire.

The GSF, in defiance of the claimed attack, asserted, “Aggression aimed at threatening and derailing our mission will not thwart us.” They emphasized their ongoing commitment to breaking the siege on Gaza and standing in solidarity with the local population.

The GSF operates a fleet comprising numerous boats from 44 countries, carrying crucial supplies like food, water, and medicine intended for civilians in the Gaza Strip. Among the group’s members is Swedish activist Greta Samberg.

During a press conference held in Tunis, supporters waved Palestinian flags and expressed their solidarity. One of the activists present, Miguel Duarte, described witnessing the drone hovering just meters above them before an explosion occurred. “The drone lingered over life jackets,” he recounted, detailing how it dropped a bomb that sparked a fierce fire, which they managed to extinguish without any injuries.

Israel maintains that a naval blockade on Gaza is necessary to prevent weapon smuggling, a measure that has been reinforced since Hamas took control in 2007. This blockade has remained in place amid ongoing conflicts following attacks by terrorist groups back in October 2023.