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Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza attacked by drone for a second time

Credit: CNN
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London, UK
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The flotilla, aimed at breaking Israel’s siege on Gaza, was targeted twice by drones carrying flammable projectiles. On both occasions the boats were moored in Tunisia.

Boats making up the Global Sumud Flotilla have been targeted twice in two days by drones dropping flammable objects as they docked overnight in Tunisia.

The flotilla, made up of more than 50 boats and involving participants from 44 countries, is on a mission to break Israel’s siege on Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid via the sea.

The first attack occurred on Monday night and targeted a Portuguese-flagged vessel named Family. The second attack, on the flotilla’s UK-flagged vessel named Alma, took place on Tuesday night. Both boats are the motherships of the mission.

Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist and flotilla spokesperson, described how a drone could be heard overhead before it dropped an ‘incendiary device’ or flaming projectile onto the deck of the boat. It then exploded, creating a fire on board.

Videos posted on social media show the moment the attack happened, as well as the aftermath.


Though the Family sustained some structural damage after the first attack, the second firebomb resulted in no damage to the Alma. No injuries were caused to activists or crew on board in either of the attacks.

Aboard the two motherships are high-profile members of the flotilla, such as Gen Z activist Greta Thunberg and Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. These boats they are manning are responsible for providing support to smaller vessels joining the mission.

In a statement, the activists said: ‘These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission’.

Though no one has claimed the attacks, some activists believe Israel could be responsible for sending the drones, as it has prevented other flotillas from reaching Gaza in recent months.

Tunisian coastal police were seen monitoring the Global Sumud Flotilla’s boats on Wednesday morning. Authorities said they were investigating the two incidents, initially denying claims that drones had caused the first fire.

However, activists posting to social media from the flotilla have continued to report that drones have hovered over their ships since they left Barcelona in the beginning of September.

The Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza has continued against all odds. Its first obstacle was a strong storm off the coast of Barcelona, which caused the flotilla to turn back to port and wait it out before setting sail a second time.

Weather aside, there is a high likelihood the flotilla will encounter danger. A boat on its way to Gaza was targeted by drones earlier this year, as it sailed through international waters off the coast of Malta.

In fact, Israel has attacked or intercepted all Gaza-bound flotillas since 2010. Previous flotillas trying to reach Gaza have been stopped and seized by Israeli naval officials, with all on board arrested, taken to Israeli ports, and deported.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, nor has it responded to accusations that it was involved. It has previously dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts on behalf of Hamas.

In a move that is unlikely to be passed, Israel’s Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has submitted a proposal to classify the flotilla members as security prisoners, which could see them spend weeks in Israeli detention.

With the Global Sumud Flotilla departing from Tunisia on the afternoon of September 10th,  thousands of people have gathered by the port to bid the flotilla farewell.

The next leg of the journey will be the 1,620 nautical mile stretch to Gaza.

Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). I’m the Deputy Editor & Content Partnership Manager at Thred. Originally from the island of Bermuda, I specialise in writing about ocean health and marine conservation, but you can also find me delving into pop culture, health and wellness, plus sustainability in the beauty and fashion industries. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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