Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla Reports Drone Strike; Tunisian Authorities Deny Claim

Tunis, Tunisia – An aid flotilla aiming to break the blockade on Gaza, which reportedly includes activist Greta Thunberg among its passengers, has claimed that one of its boats was struck by a drone off the coast of Tunisia. The incident, which occurred late Monday, has sparked a fire and conflicting reports from the organizers and Tunisian officials.

Conflicting Narratives Emerge

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) stated that its “Family Boat,” anchored near the port of Sidi Bou Said, was hit by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), causing a fire on the main deck and in the storage area below. According to GSF activists, including eyewitnesses, the fire was the result of a deliberate attack. Footage shared by the group on social media purportedly shows an incendiary object dropping onto the vessel, followed by a flash and explosion.

However, Tunisian authorities have strongly refuted the flotilla’s claims. Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesperson for Tunisia’s National Guard, told media outlets that “no drones” were detected in the area. Preliminary investigations by Tunisian officials suggest the fire was caused by an internal source, possibly a cigarette or lighter igniting life jackets on board. There have been no reported injuries, and the crew managed to extinguish the blaze.

History of Confrontation and Accusations

This is not the first time a Gaza-bound flotilla has reported such an incident, nor is it the first time Thunberg has been involved in a mission to the territory. Earlier this year, two other aid missions were intercepted by Israeli forces, with Thunberg and other activists being detained and deported. Israel has maintained that the naval blockade is necessary to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas and has previously described such flotillas as “publicity stunts.” The GSF, for its part, has declared that the alleged drone attack is an act of intimidation and will not deter their mission to deliver aid to the war-torn enclave.

Uncertainty Surrounds Incident’s Cause

The competing narratives from the GSF and Tunisian authorities have left the exact cause of the fire unconfirmed. The GSF has promised to release the results of its own investigation once available, while the incident has drawn renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.