Drone Attack Reported on Family Boat in Tunisian Waters
The Family boat, part of a **flotilla for Gaza**, was reportedly attacked by a drone while in Tunisian waters, leading to an explosion that ignited the vessel. All individuals on board, which included six activists, were unharmed, but the incident raises serious concerns over safety and the actions taken against humanitarian efforts in the region, reports 24brussels.
Yasemin Acar, one of the activists present, stated, “The family boat has been officially attacked. The drone came right above it, released the bomb, and it exploded and the boat was on fire. Everyone on that boat is okay … they have bombed a boat, once again, with civilians on it. In Tunisian territory.”
Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed the necessity for verification. “The main flotilla boat, Family, has been attacked. By a drone. Of course, it will have to be verified … if it’s confirmed that there has been an attack on this flotilla, there has been an attack on Tunisia,” she remarked in a video statement.
However, Tunisian authorities have rejected the claims of a drone attack. Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesperson for Tunisia’s national guard, stated that an investigation is evaluating the situation but emphasized, “no drones have been detected,” branding the claims as “completely unfounded.”
“According to preliminary findings, a fire broke out in the life jackets on board a ship anchored 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said,” he clarified, suggesting that the fire could have been caused by a cigarette.
The Global Solidarity Flotilla (GSF) embarked from Barcelona and reached Tunisian waters over the weekend. Comprising approximately 20 vessels, it carries pro-Palestinian activists from 44 countries aiming to deliver humanitarian aid amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza against Hamas.
Israeli authorities have dismissed the initiatives to transport aid to Gaza, labeling them as publicity stunts. Previously, in June, their forces intercepted another aid ship associated with prominent activist Greta Thunberg.
An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report published in late August indicated that conditions of famine in Gaza are “entirely man-made” but could be “halted and reversed” if immediate actions are taken to address the crisis.