Two vessels from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which includes pro-Palestinian activists, reportedly sustained damage in separate incidents that the organizers attribute to suspected drone attacks. The flotilla claimed the first vessel was struck while near the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, with GSF posting video footage appearing to show an object impacting the boat. However, Tunisian authorities disputed this account, stating that preliminary inspections indicated the explosion originated from within the vessel itself.
Later that night, GSF reported a second vessel, the British-flagged Alma, was also hit by an object, which they describe as resulting in fire damage on the top deck. Tunisian authorities have not provided comments regarding this particular incident. GSF stated no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew of either vessel.
Both vessels departed from Barcelona the previous week and arrived in Tunisia on Sunday. According to GSF, their “Family boat” experienced an incendiary device-related fire, which the crew managed to extinguish. Despite GSF’s claims regarding drone involvement, Tunisian authorities have said that such reports lack verification.
BBC Verify has confirmed the authenticity of certain video content related to both claims. The footage suggests that the incidents involved impacts consistent with an object being dropped from a height, potentially indicative of drone involvement. The head of intelligence at McKenzie Intelligence Services, David Heathcote, expressed skepticism about the Tunisian authorities’ narrative.
The flotilla organizers have faced multiple challenges in their mission to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, including a recent incident involving Israeli forces detaining activists on a prior aid attempt. Reports indicate that there have been previous allegations of drone attacks on aid ships bound for Gaza.
A UN report has suggested a famine situation in Gaza, attributed to restrictions on aid entering the territory, which Israel denies. The ongoing humanitarian context amid these recent events raises questions about the interactions between the flotilla and regional authorities.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly67g7pdlko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss