Tunisia Denies Claims Of Drone Attack On Gaza Flotilla

JAKARTA - Tunisian authorities have denied claims by one of the main ships of Global SumudFlotilla (GSF) for Gaza, the "Family Boat", being hit by an object suspected of being a drone or drone off the coast of Tunisia.

In a statement reported by Tunisian state news agency TAP, the Tunisian Interior Ministry denied reports the Portuguese-flagged ship had been hit by a drone while anchoring outside the port of Sidi Bou Said.

The ministry said the security unit had checked the scene and confirmed that the fire was caused by a burnt life jacket. The fire was quickly extinguished and caused no injuries or material damage other than several burnt jackets, he added.

Earlier that day, the fleet said in a statement the ship was hit by a drone in Tunisian waters.

The fleet also shared footage taken from another ship that it said "shows the right moment when the Family Boat was hit from above.

The black and white footage appears to show an incendiary object falling onto the ship, triggering an explosion and fire.

The ship was carrying Madeleine's crew, the ship of the Israeli military's previous aid fleet that was seized by the Israeli military in June.

Among them are Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Yasemin Acar activist, Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, and Turkish activist Suayb Ordu.

All passengers and crew survived, the fleet said in the statement reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Tuesday, September 9.

"Investigation is currently underway, and when more information is available, it will be released soon," he added.

"The act of aggression aimed at intimidating and thwarting our mission will not hinder us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege of Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and determination," the statement added.

The Fleet of Sumud Global, named after the word Arab which means "density", consists of more than 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists, and activists. About 150 activists - including Tunisians, Turkish nationals, and others from Europe, Africa, and Asia - participated in the initiative.

The fleet sailed from Barcelona in late August along with another group from Genoa, Italy, and is expected to leave Tunisia for Gaza on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to challenge the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.