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A Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla said its main vessel was struck by a suspected drone off Tunisia's coast Tuesday, though Tunisian authorities denied detecting any unmanned aircraft and added that the incident was caused by burning life jackets.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying aid and activists from over 44 countries to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, reported that its Portuguese-flagged "Family Boat" was hit while anchored near Sidi Bou Said port. No injuries were reported in the incident.
"The Global Sumud Flotilla confirms that one of the main boats was struck by what is suspected to be a drone," organizers said in a statement, releasing security camera footage that appears to show an incendiary object dropping onto the vessel, triggering an explosion and fire.
Tunisia's Interior Ministry rejected the drone strike claim on Tuesday. Security units that inspected the scene determined the fire was caused by igniting life jackets, with damage limited to several burned jackets, according to state news agency TAP.
"No drones have been detected," said national guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli, adding that preliminary findings pointed to a fire in the life jackets, possibly caused by a cigarette.
Flotilla members strongly disputed the official version. "A drone came right above it, released a bomb, and it exploded, and the boat was on fire," said Yasemin Acar, a steering committee member, in an Instagram video.
Brazilian activist Thiago Avila shared testimony from another flotilla member who stated: "It was 100% a drone that dropped a bomb."
The boat's crew included Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and activists from Türkiye, Brazil and Sweden who had participated in the previous Madeleine aid mission seized by Israeli forces in June.
Francesca Albanese, U.N. special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, shared the security footage on social media platform X, calling attention to "the sound, explosion and calls for help by the boat's crew."
"Draw your conclusions," Albanese wrote, noting that other vessels heading to the port needed urgent protection.
Vail Nevvar, executive member of the flotilla's Tunisia Declaration, confirmed during a live social media broadcast that "a substance capable of causing fire was thrown from a drone."
The flotilla, which departed from Barcelona in late August with another group from Genoa, Italy, plans to leave Tunisia for Gaza on Wednesday. Approximately 150 activists, including dozens of Turkish citizens and participants from Europe, Africa and Asia, have been preparing to board vessels since Sept. 1.
"Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us," the flotilla said in its statement.
"Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve," the statement noted.
The flotilla's mission comes as Gaza faces severe humanitarian conditions. The U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported Aug. 22 that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza, warning it could spread as Israel's blockade continues.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza entered its 700th day on Friday, with Palestinian casualties exceeding 64,500, according to health authorities.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Global Sumud Flotilla takes its name from the Arabic word meaning "steadfastness" or "resilience," a concept that emerged among Palestinians after the 1967 Six-Day War to represent nonviolent resistance to occupation.
Security forces sealed off the Sidi Bou Said port area following the incident, restricting vehicle and pedestrian access while investigations continue.
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