Tunisia Refutes Claims of Drone Strike on Gaza Flotilla

Thu Oct 23 2025 06:51:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Tunisian authorities have denied accusations that a vessel carrying aid and activists, including Greta Thunberg, was attacked by a drone while anchored near Sidi Bou Said. The Global Sumud Flotilla claims their boat was struck, causing fire damage, but officials insist the reports are unfounded.

Tunisian officials have denied allegations made by the Global Sumud Flotilla that their vessel, which includes pro-Palestinian activists like Greta Thunberg, was hit by a drone. The flotilla says an incendiary device caused damage, but Tunisia's National Guard states there is no evidence of a drone strike. The incident, which occurred as the flotilla sailed from Barcelona, raises concerns over safety in the region as they attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amidst ongoing conflict.

Tunisian authorities have denied claims that one of the Gaza-bound vessels carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists including Greta Thunberg was attacked by a drone.

The organisers of the flotilla, Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), stated that the Portuguese-flagged vessel had been struck by a drone while anchored outside the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia. All six passengers and crew were reported safe, they added.

A spokesperson for Tunisia's national guard told the Agence France-Presse news agency that no drone had been detected and that an investigation was ongoing.

The humanitarian aid flotilla set sail from Barcelona last week, and arrived in Tunisia on Sunday.

The GSF claimed that their Family boat was struck in Tunisian waters, and fire had caused damage to the main deck. A series of videos published on their Instagram suggested an incendiary device caused a fire onboard, which the crew managed to extinguish.

Tunisia's National Guard spokesman refuted the allegations of a drone attack, asserting that reports had no basis in truth. He added that initial inspections found the explosion appeared to originate from inside the vessel.

UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur and Tunisian resident Francesca Albanese, featured in GSF's videos, stated that a verified attack would indicate an assault and aggression against Tunisia, and Tunisian sovereignty. She said she was trying to clarify facts with local authorities.

Albanese has been a vocal critic of Israel's military actions against Gaza and has faced sanctions from the US, a move supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The flotilla aims to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza, despite facing setbacks. In June, Israeli forces boarded a boat carrying aid, detaining 12 activists, including Thunberg.

Israeli authorities have previously viewed such humanitarian missions as publicity stunts lacking genuine assistance. Past claims of drone attacks on aid ships bound for Gaza have also surfaced.

Recent reports from a UN-backed body reported famine conditions in Gaza, which Israel has denied while claiming to manage aid distribution within the territory, leading to ongoing humanitarian concerns.