Gaza-Bound Flotilla With Greta Thunberg Reports Drone Attack Near Tunisia

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The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, reported that one of its key vessels was struck by a suspected drone while sailing through Tunisian waters on September 9. The vessel, known as the “Family Boat” and registered under the Portuguese flag, caught fire on the main deck and in the storage area below. Six passengers and crew members on board were unharmed.

Shortly after the report, Tunisian authorities rejected the flotilla’s account. Officials from the National Guard stated that their investigation showed the fire originated inside the boat itself and there was no evidence of drone activity. They dismissed the claims of an external strike as having “no basis in truth.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international campaign involving activists from more than 40 countries. Its goal is to deliver humanitarian supplies such as food and medicine to Gaza while challenging the naval blockade imposed since 2007. Among the participants is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who joined to support the convoy’s mission of solidarity and civilian-led aid.

In its public statement, the flotilla said the incident would not deter their efforts. Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to reaching Gaza and called for an independent investigation into the cause of the fire. They also stressed that acts of intimidation or violence would not stop them from carrying out what they describe as a peaceful humanitarian journey.

The conflicting accounts from the flotilla and Tunisian authorities have drawn international attention to the risks faced by aid convoys attempting to reach Gaza. While all passengers were reported safe, the incident highlights the fragile environment in which such civilian-led initiatives operate. It also underscores how quickly humanitarian efforts can become entangled in regional political and security disputes.