GSF Reportedly Struck by Drone in Tunisian Waters
Activists wash the deck of the FFC ship Handala as they prepare to sail for Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid amid Israel's siege and bombardment of Gaza in Marsa, Malta, on August 16, 2024 [Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters]
A spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza reported on Tuesday that one of its main vessels was struck by a drone while in Tunisian waters. All six passengers and crew members aboard the boat are safe.
According to a statement from the GSF, the Portuguese-flagged vessel, carrying the flotilla’s steering committee, sustained fire damage to both its main deck and below-deck storage areas.
However, Tunisia’s National Guard spokesman told Mosaique FM radio that reports of a drone attack on the flotilla “have no basis.” He added that an initial inspection indicated the explosion originated from within the vessel.
The flotilla is an international initiative aimed at delivering humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza via civilian boats, supported by delegations from 44 countries.
