A flotilla seeking to break Israel's aid blockade of Gaza has reported a second drone attack in less than 24 hours, according to a statement early on Wednesday from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF). The group, which is carrying pro-Palestinian activists including Greta Thunberg, said an incendiary device was dropped on one of its boats, the Alma, while it was moored in the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. No passengers or crew were harmed and no structural damage was caused, it said.
The flotilla posted a video on Instagram showing a luminous object hitting the boat and fire erupting on board, though the video could not be immediately verified. The British-flagged Alma sustained fire damage to its top deck, and an investigation is under way. The reported attack came a day after GSF said another vessel was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters, but Tunisia's interior ministry denied that report, saying the fire broke out on the vessel itself.
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, posted video of the burning Alma and suggested it indicated a drone attack. She wrote on social media that video evidence suggests a drone dropped a device that set the deck on fire, possibly involving an incendiary grenade wrapped in fuel-soaked plastic. The activist Thiago Ávila, speaking from onboard the Alma, said: 'We know what's happening is outrageous, but it's nothing compared to what Palestinians have endured for the past 22 months. That's why we keep going, why we set sail for Gaza.'
The flotilla is supported by delegations from 44 countries, including Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortágua. Four Italian politicians—an MP, a senator, and two MEPs—are expected to join. Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, said he would call his Israeli counterpart to discuss the flotilla's operation and ensure full consular support for Italians involved if they encounter problems on Israeli soil. The activists said they would continue their 'peaceful voyage' as planned.
Israel has maintained the blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing the need to prevent weapons smuggling, and has tightened restrictions during the current war. In June, Israeli naval forces seized a British-flagged yacht carrying Thunberg. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
