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A boat carrying activists, including Greta Thunberg, which is trying to deliver aid to Gaza caught fire outside the port of Sidi Bou Said in Tunisia on Friday. Newsweek breaks down what we know so far.
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), organizers of the convoy, have accused Israel of carrying out a drone attack on their boat, including the vessel named Family Boat. However, Tunisian authorities claim there is no evidence to support this allegation. As of now, Israel has not commented on these claims.
Newsweek reached out to GSF, Tunisia’s interior ministry, and the Israeli Defense Forces for comments via email.
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Why It Matters
The Global Sumud Flotilla aims to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian supplies. Previous activities have led to confrontations at sea; in June, Israeli forces boarded a vessel carrying activists including Thunberg.
The competing accounts—GSF’s claim of a drone attack and Tunisia’s denial—have immediate diplomatic and security implications. If an external strike occurred, it could question sovereignty violations and the safety of international civilians on aid missions. Conversely, if the fire was internal, it might indicate safety lapses or accidental ignition.
The incident is under investigation with limited evidence so far, including videos from GSF and statements from Tunisian authorities.
What We Know
GSF reported that their Portuguese-flagged Family Boat, carrying members of its steering committee, was struck by what they suspect to be a drone and suffered fire damage. In an Instagram post, member Yasmin stated:
“The Family Boat has been officially attacked. A drone came above it, released a bomb which exploded, and the boat caught fire. Everyone on that boat is okay—the fire is out.”
She added: “They have bombed a boat with civilians in Tunisian territory again. This is an attack against Gaza because they don’t want us there. Mobilize, let’s not stay quiet.”
The same team was aboard the Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition that tried to reach Gaza earlier this year but was intercepted by the Israeli military in international waters. Thunberg and her colleagues were taken to Israel and deported.
In another Instagram post, GSF stated: “No one other than the Israeli authority would do such an attack, such a crime.”
GSF also posted a video on X claiming to show the exact moment the Family Boat was struck from above. However, Tunisia’s interior ministry later denied these claims and told Agence France-Presse that no drones were detected.
The naval blockade of Gaza by Israel since Hamas took control in 2007 has been justified as preventing weapons from reaching the group. Recently, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared that Gaza was facing famine, driven by the ongoing Israeli military blockade and attacks following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office rejected the report as an “outright lie” and accused Hamas of withholding aid in Gaza as part of a “starvation campaign.”
What People Are Saying
GSF: “The Global Sumud Flotilla confirms that one of our main boats, known as the Family Boat, was struck by what is suspected to be a drone. All passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is underway, and more information will be released when available.”
Francesca Albanese, United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories: “We do not know who carried out the attack but would not be surprised if it was Israel. If confirmed, it’s an attack against Tunisian sovereignty.”
Israel Katz, Israeli Defense Minister (June 2025): “To antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda colleagues: You will not reach Gaza. Israel will act against any attempt to break the blockade or assist terrorist organizations—sea, air, land.”
What Happens Next
The investigation is ongoing with both GSF and Tunisian authorities involved. Independent forensic analysis of videos and on-site technical inspections would be necessary to determine if an external attack occurred or if the fire started aboard the ship.
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