Drone Strikes Flotilla Aid Boat in Tunisia, Says Activist Group

According to the organization Global Sumud Flotilla, a second aid vessel aiming to reach Gaza was attacked by a drone while stationed in Tunisia. This follows a similar incident reported just the previous day.

The Global Sumud Flotilla stated on Wednesday, 'On September 9, the vessel 'Alma', flying a British flag, suffered damage from a drone assault while it was anchored in Tunisian maritime territory. The top deck caught fire, but the flames were put out promptly. All individuals onboard are unharmed. A thorough inquiry is ongoing, and findings will be shared promptly when ready.'

The group also released a video purporting to show the moment the drone struck, with footage illustrating a fiery explosion above the ship.

Earlier, security footage was shared displaying what appears to be the initial incident involving another of their boats.

The organization emphasized that these incidents represent the second consecutive day of attacks. They suggested these actions are part of broader Israeli operations against Palestinians in the Gaza region. The flotilla remains focused on its mission to challenge Israel's blockade on Gaza and demonstrate strong solidarity with its people.

Greta Thunberg, the well-known climate advocate, is one of the participants in this flotilla effort, having previously joined a different flotilla aimed at Gaza earlier in the year.

Initial dismissals of drone attack claims came from Tunisian authorities, but the GSF later indicated that an official investigation by Tunisia was underway.

Despite requests for input regarding these alleged drone attacks, Tunisia’s Ministry of the Interior has not provided a comment at this time.

It is important to note that Israel continues to enforce a blockade around Gaza, including dominion over its Mediterranean maritime boundaries, meaning the flotilla lacks docking authorization.

Israeli forces have historically intervened to stop activist flotillas from violating their maritime blockade, with actions in 2010 resulting in fatalities among activists.

Israel generally dismisses these flotilla efforts as attempts to capture media attention, insisting its blockade serves the purpose of blocking the smuggling of arms and potentially dangerous materials into Gaza, governed by the Hamas group.

As of yet, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a response concerning the flotilla's claims.

Middle Eastern Tensions

Reporting by Haley Ott, focusing on international news from the CBS News London office.

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