Tunisia Denies Claims Gaza Flotilla Carrying Greta Thunberg Was Hit by Drone
Tunisian authorities have rejected claims that one of the vessels in a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla, carrying pro-Palestinian activists including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, was struck by a drone.
Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) alleged that their Portuguese-flagged “Family boat” was hit while anchored off the coast of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia, causing a fire on the main deck. All six passengers and crew were reported safe.
However, a spokesperson for Tunisia’s National Guard told AFP that “no drone” had been detected in the area, insisting that reports of an external strike “have no basis in truth.” An initial inspection suggested the blast may have originated from inside the vessel.
The flotilla, which set sail from Barcelona last week, is part of a campaign to “break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.” The GSF shared videos claiming an “incendiary device” caused the fire, which the crew managed to extinguish.
UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who was present in Tunisia, said that if proven, such an attack would be “an assault on Tunisian sovereignty.” She posted on X that she was working with local authorities to verify details.
This is not the first time flotillas bound for Gaza have faced difficulties. In June, Israeli forces intercepted another aid boat, detaining 12 activists including Thunberg before deporting them. Israel has described these missions as publicity stunts with little humanitarian impact.
Similar allegations of drone attacks have emerged before — in May, the Freedom Flotilla claimed its ship The Conscience was targeted near Malta.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. A UN-backed body recently confirmed famine conditions in the territory, blaming Israel’s restrictions on aid deliveries. Israel has denied the claims, arguing Hamas diverts supplies.
The conflict has escalated since the Hamas-led attack on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. In response, Israeli operations in Gaza have killed at least 64,522 people, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
