A humanitarian mission to deliver critical aid to Gaza has been thrown into peril after boats, including one carrying prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg, reported being targeted in a second drone attack while docked at the port of Sfax in Tunisia.
The incident, which organisers have labelled a deliberate assault, has significantly heightened fears for the safety of the international crew and activists on board. The flotilla, comprised of three vessels, is attempting to break the Israeli naval blockade to deliver medical supplies and food to the besieged Palestinian territory.
Escalating Tensions and Safety Fears
According to reports from the activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a drone struck one of the boats' communication and navigation systems. This marks the second such attack in recent days, following a previous incident that caused damage to another vessel in the same fleet. The repeated nature of the attacks suggests a coordinated effort to disable the mission before it can set sail for Gaza.
«This is a clear and targeted attempt to intimidate us and sabotage our peaceful mission,» a spokesperson for the coalition stated. «The safety of all participants is our utmost priority, and we are assessing the severe damage.»
International Condemnation and Calls for Action
The presence of high-profile figures like Greta Thunberg has catapulted the flotilla's journey into the global spotlight, drawing attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The attacks have prompted outcry from various international organisations and governments, who are calling for a full investigation into the incidents.
While no party has officially claimed responsibility for the drone strikes, the context of the flotilla's destination points towards a highly complex and volatile geopolitical standoff. The events in Sfax port underscore the extreme risks faced by civilian-led aid missions in conflict zones.
The future of the flotilla now hangs in the balance as repairs are undertaken and a security reassessment is conducted. This development represents a dangerous escalation in the tactics used to block aid from reaching Gaza's civilian population.
