Gaza-bound aid ship with Greta Thunberg hit by suspected drone near Tunisia

The Global Sumud Flotilla, an aid ship bound for Gaza and carrying climate activist Greta Thunberg along with civilians from 44 countries, was reportedly struck in an alleged drone attack off the Tunisian coast on Tuesday. The vessel was attempting to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The Portuguese-flagged boat, which included the flotilla’s steering committee, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe.

"The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that one of the main boats... was struck by what is suspected to be a drone," the organisers said on social media, adding that no one had been hurt.

The flotilla arrived in Tunisia over the weekend and was anchored 50 miles from the port of Sidi Bou Said when the incident occurred. According to an AFP journalist, a fire broke out onboard but was quickly extinguished.

Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesman for Tunisia's national guard, said the investigation is “ongoing” but added that “no drones have been detected.”

“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,” Jebabli said. The national guard further stated on its official Facebook page that reports of a drone were “completely unfounded,” suggesting the fire may have been caused by a cigarette.

The Global Sumud Flotilla describes itself as an independent group, not affiliated with any government or political party. The word Sumud means “resilience” in Arabic. Among the flotilla’s high-profile participants is Greta Thunberg, who addressed pro-Palestinian campaigners in Tunisia on Sunday.

Israel has already blocked two previous attempts by activists to deliver aid to Gaza by ship in June and July. The United Nations recently declared a state of famine in parts of Gaza, warning that 500,000 people face “catastrophic” conditions.