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Attack on the “Family Boat” of the Global Sumud Flotilla: Drone Allegations, Tunisian Denials

 A controversial incident has involved the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, during the night off the Tunisian coast. According to the organizers, the “Family Boat” – the main vessel of the expedition, a 35-meter ship sailing under the Portuguese flag – was struck by a drone that allegedly dropped an incendiary device, causing an explosion on board.

The Flotilla’s Account

Activists from the GSF claim this was a deliberate strike from above: on the mission’s official channels they released surveillance camera footage from the vessel, where a buzzing sound believed to be a drone can be heard, shortly before a flash of light hits the frame. Additional footage – filmed from another ship in the flotilla – reportedly shows the impact from above.

The organizers state that none of the crew or passengers, including Greta Thunberg, were injured, though some reports mention two people suffering minor injuries. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, shared the footage, inviting the public to “draw their own conclusions.”

“Our humanitarian mission will not stop and will not be influenced by any threat,” activist Thiago Avila declared during a public address in Sidi Bou Said. A press conference has been scheduled today in Tunisia, with members of the flotilla’s steering committee and representatives of civil society expected to attend.

The Tunisian Authorities’ Position

The Tunisian National Guard denied the presence of drones in the country’s airspace. In an official statement, it reported that “according to preliminary findings, a fire broke out among the life jackets on board a ship anchored 50 miles off the port of Sidi Bou Said, arriving from Spain,” adding that “no drones were detected.” Investigations are ongoing.

So far, no official comment has been issued by Israeli military spokespersons. Meanwhile, broadcaster Al Jazeera stated it had verified the flotilla’s videos, which show an incendiary device falling on the ship.

Next Steps

The Global Sumud Flotilla has confirmed that the naval convoy will continue its mission “to break the illegal siege on Gaza through peaceful and non-violent actions.” From the marina of Sidi Bou Said, where a crowd of supporters has gathered, the departure is scheduled for tomorrow.

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