Global Sumud Flotilla reports second attack while sailing to Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, which is sailing to Gaza in an attempt to break the Israeli siege, reported a second attack on one of its ships late Monday. A video of the drone strike showed a large fire erupting after the vessel was hit.

In a statement, the GSF confirmed that its ship 'Aman' had come under attack. The group reiterated that such “threatening tactics” would not deter them from continuing their mission.

No official statement has been released by Tunisian authorities after the attack.

A steering committee member said no crew members were injured in the incident, adding that the flotilla remains prepared and will continue its journey to Gaza.

Thaogi Avil, a steering committe member, stressed that “the world can no longer stand by watching children, schools, and hospitals being bombed by Israel.”

An aid vessel carrying humanitarian supplies and activists to besieged Gaza reportedly came under a drone attack on late Sunday off the North African coast, igniting a fire on board. The Portuguese-flagged boat was part of the Freedom Flotilla, transporting nearly 350 human rights activists and aid workers, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

According to the flotilla organisers, the main ship, where steering committee members were present, was struck, but all crew and passengers remained unharmed. The fire, however, caused significant damage to the deck and storage areas.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition released video footage showing the aftermath of the attack. In a statement, the Sumud Flotilla said the incident would not deter them from their mission. “Acts of aggression and intimidation will not derail our commitment to peacefully deliver aid to Palestinians,” the group declared.

Tunisia’s National Guard dismissed reports of an aerial strike, claiming the blast might have been triggered by life jackets catching fire on board.