THE Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a civilian maritime aid initiative seeking to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, reported a second drone attack on one of its vessels late Tuesday while docked at a port in Tunisia. No injuries were reported.
The vessel, identified as Alma, was carrying international volunteers, including Malaysians, and sustained fire damage to its upper deck following the incident, according to flotilla organisers. The British-flagged boat was moored at the Sidi Bou Said port when it was allegedly struck.
“This evening, our boat – Iylia and Sul – was targeted by a drone while docked in Tunisia,” wrote Ahmad Musa Al-Nuwayri Kamaruzaman, a Malaysian volunteer and founder of Cinta Salam Malaysia (CSM), in a post on Threads. “Praise be to God, no injuries have been reported.”
The GSF posted video footage on Instagram, purportedly showing a glowing projectile striking the vessel and igniting a fire on deck. Reuters has not independently verified the video.
It is the second such incident in two days. The first reported attack, on Monday, was denied by Tunisian authorities. Tunisian officials have not commented on the latest strike, and the Coast Guard declined to respond to requests for confirmation.
Saif Abukeshek, a member of the GSF steering committee, accused Israel of carrying out both attacks. “Israel continues to breach international law and terrorise us. We will sail to break the blockade on Gaza no matter what they do,” he told Reuters.
The flotilla's organisers said that the repeated attacks were part of a broader campaign to undermine the mission. “These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza, and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred,” the group said in a statement.
Following the incident, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the port, waving Palestinian flags and chanting against Israel and the United States. Emergency services, including ambulances and coastguard vessels, were seen at the scene.
The flotilla comprises activists and humanitarian workers from 44 countries, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and Portuguese politician Mariana Mortágua. In June, Israeli naval forces intercepted a previous flotilla boat carrying Thunberg, claiming the operation was a “propaganda stunt” in support of Hamas.
Israel has maintained a naval and land blockade of Gaza since 2007, stating it is necessary to prevent arms smuggling. The blockade has continued through the current war, which began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a large-scale attack into southern Israel, killing 1,200 and taking around 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources.
In response, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza. According to the enclave's health ministry, more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed, while parts of Gaza are now facing famine, as reported by global food monitors. Israel has been accused by rights groups and international legal experts of committing acts amounting to genocide – claims it denies.
Despite the escalating risks, the Global Sumud Flotilla insists it will continue its mission to deliver humanitarian aid directly to Gaza’s shores. - September 10, 2025
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