Second vessel of Sumud Flotilla for Gaza attacked
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) said that it was attacked for the second time on Tuesday in Tunisian waters, with a drone targeting a boat sailing under the British flag. The alleged attack on the boat called "Alma" comes less than 24 hours after the Family boat carrying the steering committee of the flotilla was struck on Monday.
"The boat, sailing under the British flag, sustained fire damage on its top deck. The fire has since been extinguished, and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway and when more information is available it will be released immediately," GSF press statement reads.
"This marks the second such attack in two days. 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. Our peaceful voyage to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza and stand in unwavering solidarity with its people presses forward with determination and resolve."
Several prominent politicians and activists are participating in the flotilla, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and the former mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau.
In a follow-up post, GSF said crew members on the boat recovered a charred electronic device from the deck. "While a full investigation is ongoing, the presence of such a device provides further indication that the boat was deliberately targeted," read the post.
Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza arrived in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, on Sunday, the last planned stop on their journey before continuing on to Gaza on Wednesday.
The first convoy, consisting of dozens of small civilian vessels carrying activists, humanitarians, doctors, seafarers, and humanitarian supplies, departed from Spanish ports on August 31 to meet up in Tunisia with a second wave on September 4.
The maritime convoy, comprising approximately 20 boats and delegations from 44 countries, will be joined by additional ships from ports in Italy, Greece, and Tunisia in the coming days as it navigates its route from the western Mediterranean to the Gaza Strip, organisers said.
Two previous attempts by activists to deliver aid by ship to Gaza earlier this year were blocked by Israel.
