The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian aid convoy headed towards Gaza backed by delegations from 44 countries, reported a second drone attack on one of its vessels docked at Sidi Bou Said port, Tunisia.
According to GSF, the British‑flagged vessel “Alma” sustained fire damage from the drone strike, though no injuries were reported.
The attack occurred just one day after a similar drone strike targeted the Portuguese‑flagged “Family” vessel, which also suffered fire, and fortunately no casualties.
The flotilla released video footage showing the exact moment the drone struck the vessel. A luminous object hitting the boat can be seen in the clip, followed by flames.
This Gaza-bound flotilla is the largest activists’ coalition trying to break Israel’s siege of Gaza and get essential supplies to reach Palestinians who are living in a famine and man-made catastrophe.
Activist Greta Thunberg is also part of the flotilla; her second journey towards Gaza this year. Pakistan is also among the 44 countries whose activists are making this sea voyage.
Read More: Freedom Flotilla Prepares Again to Break Gaza’s Seige, On Board ‘Handala‘
Israel has not responded yet to these drone attacks while Tunisian authorities have flatly denied any attack at all, attributing the fires to internal causes such as ignition from a cigarette. The Tunisian Coast Guard also refused to comment.
The risk and threat of attack on the flotilla is very credible keeping in view what happened with the Madleen boat that tried to enter Gaza in June this year. Israel seized the ship, captured all 12 activists aboard and took them to Israel.
Despite the risk, GSF says it is determined to reach Gaza and deliver humanitarian assistance. Compared to Madleen, this flotilla includes more than 50 boats.
The drone attacks on GSF are mounting serious concern on the safety of non-violent activists, just a few days into the journey.
Since October 2023, Israel’s has killed over 64,000 Palestinians and prompted serious international concern over Gaza’s humanitarian collapse, including accusations of genocide by rights groups.
Established in December 2008, The Diplomatic Insight is Pakistan’s premier diplomacy and foreign affairs magazine, available in both digital and print formats.
