Greta Thunberg’s Gaza Flotilla Vessel Reports Suspected Drone Strike off Tunisia

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) announced on Tuesday that one of its primary vessels, the Family Boat, was allegedly hit by what it believes to be a drone off the coast of Tunisia, though Tunisian authorities rejected the claim.

The vessel, which flies the Portuguese flag, was transporting pro-Palestinian activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Turkish activist Suayb Ordu, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, and steering committee member Yasemin Acar, as per reports.

In a statement reported by Tunisia’s official TAP news agency, the Interior Ministry refuted claims of a drone strike near the port of Sidi Bou Said, stating that an inspection revealed the fire was caused by a life jacket catching fire. Officials indicated that the fire was swiftly controlled and resulted in no injuries or significant damage, aside from several charred jackets.

Earlier, the flotilla shared footage from another vessel that it claims captures “the exact moment the Family Boat was struck from above.” The black-and-white video seemingly shows an incendiary object descending onto the ship, igniting a fire.

“All passengers and crew are safe,” the flotilla confirmed. “An investigation is currently in progress, and further information will be disseminated as soon as it becomes available.”

Yasemin Acar, in a video message on social media, stated: “A drone came right above it, released a bomb, and it exploded, and the boat was on fire.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which translates to “steadfastness” in Arabic, comprises over 50 ships with approximately 150 participants from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, including medical professionals, journalists, and activists. The initiative departed from Barcelona and Genoa in late August and intends to proceed toward Gaza on Wednesday.

The flotilla’s organizers have expressed that their mission aims to confront Israel’s blockade and provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza, where reports of famine conditions have emerged. The UN-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) cautioned on August 22 that famine has taken root in northern Gaza.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has entered its 700th day, with more than 64,500 Palestinians killed, according to local health authorities. The conflict has left the enclave facing widespread devastation and food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.