Greta Thunberg’s Flotilla Reported Hit by Drone in Tunisian Waters
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a mission carrying international activists including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, has reportedly been struck by a drone. According to the protest group behind the voyage, one of the main vessels—sailing under a Portuguese flag and known as the “Family Boat”—was targeted while navigating Tunisian waters. The incident was said to have caused fire damage to both the main deck and storage areas below, though further investigation is still underway.
Organisers released footage that appears to show the moment of the strike, with a sudden burst of light on deck prompting a crew member to flinch. The group quickly issued a statement condemning the incident, calling it an “act of aggression” designed to intimidate and derail their mission. However, they stressed that their commitment would not be shaken, vowing to continue in spite of the dangers.
The flotilla, named Global Sumud, set sail from Barcelona at the end of August with the stated aim of reaching Gaza. It has been described by participants as a nonviolent humanitarian mission, intended to challenge what they consider the ongoing siege and genocide against the Palestinian people. Activists from over 40 countries have taken part—among them doctors, artists, seafarers, and campaigners. Thousands gathered at the port to send them off, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in solidarity.
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This is not the first time Greta Thunberg has been involved in such efforts. Earlier in June, she joined another aid vessel called the Madleen , which was intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces. That ship was seized, and both Thunberg and her fellow activists were deported. Israel has defended its actions, maintaining that the blockade imposed since 2007 is a security measure to prevent weapons from being smuggled into Gaza by Hamas. Officials have also dismissed attempts to breach the blockade as propaganda stunts rather than genuine humanitarian missions.
The current voyage has already faced multiple setbacks. Not long after departing Barcelona, stormy seas forced the flotilla to turn back temporarily. Still, more boats have since joined the mission from Italy, Greece, and Tunisia, reinforcing the effort despite mounting obstacles.
Israeli officials continue to insist that humanitarian needs are being met. Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, recently told Sky News that Gaza is not experiencing starvation, claiming that more than 50,000 tons of food and medicine entered the region over the summer months. He argued that supplies are reaching Gaza but are often intercepted by Hamas.
For the activists on board, though, the mission is about more than supplies—it is about shining a light on what they describe as systemic injustice and the international community’s failure to uphold human rights. The reported drone strike has only heightened the tension surrounding their voyage, adding yet another layer to an already volatile and deeply polarising situation.
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