Tunisia Denies Drone Strike on Gaza Flotilla with Greta Thunberg

A Gaza-bound flotilla that included climate activist Greta Thunberg reported an incident off the coast of Tunisia, adding new tension to already fraught humanitarian efforts in the region.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, sailing from Barcelona to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, said its Portuguese-flagged vessel was struck by a drone while anchored near Sidi Bou Said. Organizers shared video showing a humming sound, a flash of light, and flames on deck, claiming the fire was caused by an incendiary device.

Tunisian authorities strongly denied the allegation, saying no drones were detected in the area. Instead, a spokesperson for the national guard said preliminary findings suggested the blaze started among life jackets stored on board. The fire was quickly extinguished and no one was injured.

UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who lives in Tunisia and joined campaigners at the port, circulated the footage online, describing it as evidence of a serious incident. Activists insisted the attack was deliberate, while Tunisian officials maintained the reports were “unfounded.”

The flotilla’s goal is to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza, where the UN has declared famine conditions. Israel has previously intercepted similar attempts, calling them political stunts with little humanitarian impact.