The Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza, said one of its boats called “Alma” was struck by the drone attack the second time on Tuesday. The attack reportedly comes 24 hours after the family boat was allegedly attacked on Monday. The flotilla is supported by delegations from 44 countries, including Swedish activist Thunberg and Portuguese left-wing politician Mariana Mortagua.
“The boat, sailing under the British flag, sustained fire damage on its top deck. The fire has since been extinguished, and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway, and when more information is available, it will be released immediately… “ This marks the second such attack in two days. These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred. Our peaceful voyage to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza and stand in unwavering solidarity with its people presses forward with determination and resolve,” the GSF press statement reads.
As per the reports, the boat recovered a charred electronics device from the deck. However, a thorough probe is underway.
‘Family Boat’ Attacked
The aid ship—The Global Sumud Flotilla—carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg—was allegedly struck with a drone attack on Tuesday. The incident happened on the Tunisian coast. The video making rounds on social media shows a light striking the vessel, allegedly a drone attack by the Israeli operations.
The Global Solidarity Flotilla (GSF) said in a statement that a Portuguese-flagged vessel carrying its steering committee suffered fire damage on the main deck and in the below-deck storage area. All passengers and crew members on board were reported safe.
“The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats, known as the ‘Family Boat’—that was carrying GSF Steering Committee members—was struck by a drone. The boat was under the Portuguese flag, and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway, and when more information is available, it will be released immediately,” the official statement issued by the organization read.
“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” it added.
The Global Flotilla Movement
The Global Flotilla is a nonviolent international initiative formed earlier this year to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid directly by the sea. The movement includes activists, humanitarian workers, artists, and public figures from more than 44 countries.
The key goal
The key goal of the Global Flotilla is to break the siege, open a humanitarian corridor, and spotlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where famine and destruction have escalated following renewed conflict since October 2023.
