A boat belonging to a flotilla carrying aid for Gaza and pro-Palestinian activists, including Greta Thunberg, was hit by a drone while docked at Sidi Bou Said port near Tunis, according to the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). The group shared video showing the vessel struck by a flaming object, but said all six passengers and crew were safe. Thunberg was not on board at the time.
The GSF stated that the boat, named the Family Boat and sailing under the Portuguese flag, was targeted in Tunisian waters. Activist Miguel Duarte, who was aboard, said he saw a drone drop a bomb onto lifejackets, causing an explosion and fire that was quickly extinguished. Tunisia's interior ministry disputed the drone claim, saying the fire originated on the vessel itself.
The flotilla, an international initiative backed by 44 countries, aims to break Israel's naval blockade on Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Those on board include Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortágua. The group said it remains determined to reach Gaza, with departure from Tunisia still scheduled for Wednesday.
UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said if confirmed as a drone strike, it would be an assault on Tunisian sovereignty. Israel has maintained a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, tightened during the current war that began after Hamas's October 2023 attack. Previous incidents include Israeli forces boarding a yacht carrying Thunberg in June and a drone attack on another aid ship in May.
