Gaza Flotilla Under Fire: Aid Ship Reportedly Hit by Drone Attack, Tunisia Denies Involvement – 5 Key Updates
The flotilla is carrying activists and civilians from 44 countries, including climate activist Greta Thunberg
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an aid ship to Gaza was hit during an alleged drone strike on Tuesday on the coast of Tunisia. The flotilla is carrying activists and civilians from 44 countries, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, as part of an attempt to break the Israeli siege of the Gaza Strip.
Also on board is the UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats, known as the “Family Boat” – that was carrying GSF Steering Committee members, was struck by a drone. The boat was under the Portuguese flag and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway and when more information is available it will be released immediately,” reads the official statement issued by the organisation.
“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” they added further.
Tunisia’s national guard said that it had detected “no drones” after the organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla said one of their boats had been hit by a suspected UAV off Tunisia’s coast.
“According to preliminary findings, a fire broke out in the life jackets on board a ship anchored 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said, which had come from Spain,” national guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli told AFP.
“The investigation is ongoing and no drone has been detected,” he added.
MOSAIQUE RADIO also quoted that spokesperson for the Tunisian National Guard as saying that the fire was caused internally and not due to a drone attack,
Visuals released by the movement show the exact moment the “Family Boat” was allegedly hit by a drone, causing a part of the ship to catch on fire.
Several videos on X and Instagram released by the organisation and the members aboard the flotilla also released videos of the alleged drone strike.
The Family Boat is one of the ships part of the campaign and was carrying the steering committee members at the time of the strike. As per the official statement, no member was harmed.
Before the Sumud flotilla, the Madleen, which was carrying Greta Thunberg was intercepted by Israeli military about 185 km from the Gaza coast. All those on board were detained and then deported back to their countries by Israel.
For the Sumud flotilla, the Israeli government and military has stated that it is prepared to take action.
The flotilla, carrying Greta Thunberg and activists from 44 other countries, set sail from Barcelona in August. The second wave of the ships were set to meet in Tunisia before resuming their course towards the Gaza Strip.
Tensions in the Middle East intensified after reports emerged that a Gaza-bound aid flotilla was allegedly struck by a drone attack while en route to deliver humanitarian supplies. The incident sparked outrage among activists and humanitarian groups, but Tunisian authorities swiftly denied claims of involvement, calling the allegations “false and baseless.”
According to preliminary reports, the flotilla — carrying food, medical supplies, and other aid for Gaza — was targeted in international waters. Witnesses claimed that a drone struck one of the ships, causing damage but no immediate reports of fatalities. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising from the vessel, though their authenticity could not be independently verified.
Soon after reports linked Tunisia to the incident, government officials in Tunis issued a strong statement:
“Tunisia categorically denies any involvement in this incident. The allegations are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing our nation’s image.”
Authorities stressed that Tunisia supports humanitarian missions and reaffirmed its stance on the Palestinian cause.
Palestinian officials condemned the reported attack, calling it an attempt to block essential humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Human rights organizations demanded an independent investigation to verify whether drones were used and who may have been responsible.
International observers warned that such incidents could escalate tensions across the Mediterranean and worsen the already fragile humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The flotilla was part of ongoing efforts by international NGOs and pro-Palestinian groups to send essential supplies to Gaza, where over 2 million people face severe shortages of food, water, and medicine due to blockades and conflict. Similar aid convoys in the past have often faced resistance or interception, making this incident particularly alarming.
If confirmed, the attack would highlight the increasing use of drones in modern conflict zones, raising concerns over the safety of humanitarian missions operating in contested waters. Experts say the move could set a dangerous precedent for future aid operations.
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