The organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists reported late Monday that one of their vessels was hit by a suspected drone. However, Tunisian authorities said no drones had been detected.
The flotilla, which seeks to deliver aid to Gaza despite Israel’s blockade, had arrived in Tunisia over the weekend and was anchored about 50 miles off the port of Sidi Bou Said when the incident occurred. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats was struck by what is suspected to be a drone,” the organisers said on social media, adding that no one was injured.
An AFP journalist on the scene reported that a fire broke out on board while the boat was in Tunisian waters, but was quickly extinguished. Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesman for Tunisia’s national guard, said their investigation is ongoing but stressed that “no drones have been detected.” He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire started in the life jackets, possibly caused by a cigarette.
The flotilla, which identifies as an independent initiative not affiliated with any government or political party, describes itself as promoting “Sumud,” meaning resilience in Arabic. Among its participants is climate activist Greta Thunberg, who spoke to pro-Palestinian campaigners in Tunisia on Sunday.
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