The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort to deliver vital supplies to Gaza, faced a second drone attack in two days on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The strike targeted one of its boats at Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia, but all passengers and crew were unharmed.
Details of the Attacks
The flotilla, which aims to break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza, reported its first attack on Tuesday.
Organizers said a drone hit their Portuguese-flagged vessel, the “Family Boat,” causing a fire but no injuries. Tunisian authorities denied the drone claim, suggesting the fire started from a cigarette butt or lighter igniting a life jacket.
On Wednesday, a second drone struck the British-flagged “Alma,” causing fire damage to its top deck. The group shared Instagram videos showing a glowing object hitting the boat, followed by flames.
Ambulances and Tunisian coastguard boats rushed to the scene, and an investigation is underway.
Accusations and Protests
Flotilla organizer Saif Abukeshek accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks. “Israel continues to violate international law and terrorize us,” he said.
“We will sail to Gaza no matter what.” The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment.
Hundreds gathered near the port, waving Palestinian flags and chanting against Israel and the United States, showing strong local support for the flotilla’s mission.
The Flotilla’s Mission
The Global Sumud Flotilla, backed by activists from 44 countries, including Greta Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortagua, seeks to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The region faces a dire crisis, with over 64,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and parts suffering famine, per a global hunger monitor.
Israel has enforced a naval blockade on Gaza since 2007, citing the need to prevent weapons smuggling by Hamas. The blockade tightened in March 2025, halting supplies for three months and worsening food shortages. Israel claims Hamas diverts aid, while rights experts call Israel’s actions genocidal.
History of Challenges
This isn’t the first setback for Gaza-bound aid missions. In June 2025, Israeli forces seized a British-flagged yacht carrying Thunberg and others, dismissing it as a propaganda stunt.
Another vessel, “The Conscience,” was attacked by drones off Malta in May. Despite these obstacles, the flotilla remains determined.
“These attacks aim to derail our mission, but we will not stop,” the group stated.
What’s Next?
The Global Sumud Flotilla plans to sail from Tunisia to Gaza, continuing its push to deliver aid.
The repeated attacks raise concerns about safety and international law, with UN experts like Francesca Albanese calling for protection of the flotilla’s members.
As tensions grow, the group’s resolve to challenge the blockade remains unshaken.
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