The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international activist convoy seeking to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, reported a second drone attack on its vessels while docked in Tunisia.
Organisers said the British-flagged Alma was hit late Tuesday night in the Sidi Bou Said port. Security footage showed passengers shouting “fire” as flaming projectiles struck the deck, sparking a blaze. All crew and passengers escaped unhurt.
The attack came less than 24 hours after another flotilla boat, the Portuguese-flagged Family, suffered a similar incident. Tunisian authorities initially denied drone involvement, saying investigations were ongoing.
“These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza and are an orchestrated attempt to derail our mission,” organisers said in a press statement. “The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred.”
The convoy, which set sail from Spain on September 1, includes 20 boats carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza. Participants hail from 44 countries and include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau.
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UN experts, including Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, voiced support for the flotilla and called for protection of its passengers. “Any attempt to block the flotilla would constitute a grave violation of international law and humanitarian principles,” they said.
Israel has not commented on the reported attacks.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is the latest effort by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, founded in 2010, to challenge Israel’s 18-year blockade of Gaza.
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The flotilla movement traces its roots to the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli commandos boarded a Turkish-led aid ship heading to Gaza. The raid left nine activists dead and triggered a major diplomatic fallout, particularly between Israel and Turkey.
Since then, activist flotillas have continued to set sail periodically, aiming to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and protest Israel’s blockade. Though most vessels have been intercepted before reaching the enclave, the flotillas have drawn global attention to the plight of Palestinians and placed pressure on Israel through international solidarity campaigns.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
