On Tuesday, Tunisian authorities refuted an activist organization’s assertion that its humanitarian aid flotilla had been struck by a drone.
According to Reuters, the Tunisian Interior Ministry issued a statement declaring that accounts of a drone attack on a vessel at Sidi Bou Said port were “without basis in truth,” adding that an investigation into a fire on the ship’s deck was underway.
This official rejection followed an overnight statement from the (GSF), which claimed that a drone had hit one of its primary vessels. The group reported that the Portuguese-flagged boat suffered damage to its main deck and storage below deck, though no injuries occurred.
Video evidence shared on the group’s social media channels displayed a bright flash impacting one of the boats, subsequently igniting what seemed to be a fire.
“Aggressive actions designed to intimidate and obstruct our mission will not stop us,” the group stated. “Our peaceful endeavor to end the Gaza blockade and support its inhabitants persists with unwavering commitment and resolve.”
This flotilla forms part of a larger initiative comprising dozens of vessels from 44 nations, transporting humanitarian supplies such as food, water, and medicine, with the aim of reaching civilians in the Gaza Strip. Swedish activist is affiliated with the group.
Later on Tuesday, the organization conducted a press conference in Tunis, the Tunisian capital. Attendees were seen waving Palestinian flags and various banners.
During the press conference, Portuguese activist Miguel Duarte, who was on board the vessel, recounted clearly observing a drone only a few meters above him just moments prior to an explosion.
“The drone hovered for several seconds directly over a pile of life jackets before deploying a bomb,” Duarte explained. “The bomb detonated, resulting in a large flame and an immediate fire on board. We quickly used fire extinguishers, successfully containing the blaze, and thankfully, everyone remained unharmed.”
A naval blockade has been enforced on Gaza by since Hamas assumed control in 2007, citing the necessity of preventing weapon smuggling. This blockade has continued during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, which began after the militant group’s fatal assault on Israel in October 2023.
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press and Reuters.