WASHINGTON, Sept 9 — One of the main vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), known as the “Family Boat”, was struck by what is suspected to be a drone off the coast of Tunisia, its organisers said late Monday.
According to Anadolu Ajansi, the boat, sailing under the Portuguese flag, was carrying GSF Steering Committee members, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and activist Yasemin Acar, the flotilla said in a statement posted on the US social media company Instagram’s platform.
“All passengers and crew are safe,” the statement said.
“An investigation is currently underway, and when more information is available, it will be released immediately.
“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” the statement added.
“A drone came right above it, released a bomb, and it exploded, and the boat was on fire,” Acar, a member of the steering committee, also said in a video message on Instagram.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness”, is made up of some 20 vessels carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners.
Around 150 activists, including Tunisians, Turkish citizens and others from Europe, Africa and Asia, are participating in the initiative.
The flotilla set sail from Barcelona in late August, along with another group from Genoa, Italy and is expected to depart Tunisia for Gaza on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on August 22 that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza and warned it could spread as Israel’s blockade continues.
Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza entered its 700th day on Friday, with Israel having killed more than 64,500 Palestinians.
The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
