Offshore attack on Gaza aid convoy reported near Tunisian coast, alleged to have been carried out by drone
In a dramatic turn of events, the Global Sumud Flotilla, an independent group of aid activists and climate activists, including Greta Thunberg, claimed that their ships were attacked by drones while anchored off the coast of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia.
According to reports, one of the main boats was struck by a suspected drone, with no one hurt. The incident occurred on the same day that the United Nations declared a state of famine in parts of Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face "catastrophic" conditions.
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila posted a video on Instagram featuring testimony from another member of the flotilla, who claimed to have seen a drone. The member in the video asserted, "it was 100 percent a drone that dropped a bomb."
Francesca Albanese, the U.N. special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, shared the security camera footage and called attention to the humming sound and flash of light captured on the footage. Albanese wrote, "Draw your conclusions."
However, the national guard of Tunisia stated that reports of a drone are "completely unfounded" in a statement on its official Facebook page. The Tunisian authorities, on the other hand, suggested that the cause of the blaze might have been a cigarette.
Preliminary findings suggest that a fire broke out in the life jackets on board, and the investigation is ongoing. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment regarding the alleged drone attack.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Israel has blocked attempts by activists to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. In June and July, Israel already blocked two such attempts.
The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as an independent group not linked to any government or political party. Sumud means "resilience" in Arabic, a fitting name for an organisation that continues to face challenges in its mission to provide aid and support to the people of Gaza.
