Organisers of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) reported that a drone allegedly struck their main vessel, the Family Boat, while it was anchored approximately 80 kilometres from the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. This incident occurred during the flotilla’s mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, a territory severely impacted by ongoing conflict. The boat was carrying six passengers, including renowned climate activist Greta Thunberg and two Australians, Dr Bianca Webb-Pullman and Yusuf Omar.
According to GSF representatives, the Portuguese-flagged Family Boat sustained damage to its main deck and below-deck storage due to what they believe was a drone strike. They shared security footage on social media showing an unexplained flash of light and a loud noise that purportedly coincided with the incident. “The Global Sumud Flotilla confirms that one of the main boats… was struck by what is suspected to be a drone,” the organisers stated online.
In contrast, Tunisian authorities have rejected the claim of a drone attack. Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesman for the Tunisian National Guard, indicated that preliminary investigations suggested a fire broke out on the boat, possibly originating from life jackets. He stated, “No drones have been detected,” and noted that reports of a drone attack were “completely unfounded.” The national guard suggested that the fire may have been caused by a cigarette.
The GSF spokesperson, Saif Abukeshek, attributed blame for the alleged attack to Israel, stating, “There is no other authority that would do such an attack, such a crime, except the Israeli authorities.” The GSF’s assertions have sparked significant concern among the families of the Australians involved. They issued a statement highlighting the serious psychological impact of the incident, stating, “While not physically injured, the traumatisation of a drone attack causing fire on a boat at sea is both serious and illegal.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) acknowledged awareness of the alleged drone attack and affirmed its readiness to offer consular assistance to any Australian citizen who requests it.
Following the incident, a gathering of supporters outside the Sidi Bou Said port took place, where they waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine,” demonstrating solidarity with the flotilla’s mission.
The backdrop to this incident involves the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has been in place since Hamas took control in 2007. This blockade aims to prevent weapons from reaching the militant group, but it has also led to severe humanitarian crises within Gaza. The current conflict escalated after a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the capture of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of more than 64,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry.
The blockade has intensified, particularly since early March when Israel closed off access to Gaza by land, halting supplies for three months. This has triggered widespread food shortages. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of diverting aid for its own purposes, a claim that the militant group has denied.
Previously, Israeli naval forces intercepted other vessels associated with the GSF, including a British-flagged yacht carrying Thunberg and others in June, which was dismissed by Israel as a propaganda effort supporting Hamas. Another boat carrying activists was similarly stopped in July, leading to the detention and deportation of two Australians onboard.
As the situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor developments related to the flotilla and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
