Attack Attempt on the Global Sumud Flotilla en Route to Gaza

The Family vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the blockade, departed from Spain’s Alicante Port on September 7 and reached the Tunisian coast. The ship anchored at Sidi Bou Said Port near the capital and was preparing to set sail for Gaza on September 10.

However, on the night of September 8, the vessel was targeted by an Israeli drone attack. Footage and eyewitnesses confirmed that an explosive was dropped onto the deck, but Tunisian authorities dismissed claims of foreign intervention, attributing the fire to a technical malfunction. Activists, however, stated that the drone was clearly visible and held Israel directly responsible for the attack.

Shortly afterward, the flotilla’s other ship, Alma, was targeted in a similar attack. Both vessels sustained minor damage, but the incidents did not prevent the flotilla from setting sail.

Following the release of footage in international media, global reactions quickly followed. UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, stressed that if confirmed, the attack would constitute not only an assault on the Palestinian people but also a violation of Tunisia’s sovereignty.

Despite threats and attacks, the Global Sumud Flotilla announced that it would not back down. The organization successfully set sail from Tunisia into the Mediterranean on September 13 with both Family and Alma, continuing its mission with determination. The flotilla is seen as one of the last remaining hopes for Gaza.