Israeli drone targets Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Organisers of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists reported late Monday that one of their vessels was struck by a suspected drone. However, Tunisian authorities stated that “no drones” had been detected.

The flotilla, aiming to deliver aid to Gazans despite Israel’s blockade, had arrived in Tunisia over the weekend and was anchored about 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said when the incident was reported.

“The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats… was hit by what is suspected to be a drone,” the organisers said on social media, adding that no injuries were reported.

An AFP journalist who arrived shortly after the incident noted that a fire had broken out on board in Tunisian waters but was quickly extinguished.

Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesman for Tunisia’s National Guard, said the investigation is “ongoing” and that “no drones have been detected.”

“Preliminary findings indicate that a fire broke out in the life jackets on board a ship anchored 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said,” he added.

Reports of a drone are “completely unfounded”, the national guard said in a statement on its official Facebook page, suggesting that the fire may have been caused by a cigarette.

The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as an independent group not linked to any government or political party. Sumud means “resilience” in Arabic.

Among its high-profile participants is Greta Thunberg, who addressed pro-Palestinian campaigners in Tunisia on Sunday.

Israel has already blocked two attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza, in June and July.

The United Nations declared a state of famine in parts of Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face “catastrophic” conditions.