The Global Sumud Flotilla said another of its boats was attacked by a drone on Tuesday while docked in Tunisian waters. The Family, another boat in the flotilla, had been attacked a day earlier.
In a statement, the flotilla said the Alma, sailing under the British flag, “suffered damage from a fire on its upper deck. The blaze was extinguished, and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is under way and details will be shared once available.”
The statement continued: “This is the second attack in two consecutive days. These assaults come amid Israel’s escalating aggression against Palestinians in Gaza and represent a deliberate attempt to distract us and derail our mission.”
https://x.com/ICBSOFGAZA/status/1965576344252960804?t=1KkrDdM8yTCWQbYBPHuiDQ&s=31
The flotilla reaffirmed it would continue its journey “without hesitation.” It declared: “Our peaceful voyage to break Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza and show steadfast solidarity with its people moves forward with determination.”
On Monday, the flotilla had reported that its flagship, the Family, was struck in a suspected drone attack off the Tunisian coast. The Family had been targeted by a drone while sailing near Tunisian waters, with several committee members on board but none injured, according to activists.
Tunisian authorities attributed that incident to an internal malfunction on board, denying outside action. According to Al Jazeera, Tunisian police contained the fire and confirmed there were no casualties.
Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, describing the incendiary attack on the Family, said: “It is still too early to tell, but we all know who hates humanitarian missions. We know who already told the press that they will take action against us.”
Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has publicly vowed to intercept the flotilla and detain its passengers under strenuous conditions— describing Sumud as a threat to Israel’s sovereignty and national security.
The Sumud flotilla left Barcelona last week with more than 300 activists, arriving in Tunisia on Sunday. More boats from Italy and Greece are expected to join soon. The flotilla follows earlier missions, including the Mavi Marmara in 2010 and recent attacks on the Conscience, Madleen, and Handala.
