Activist group says drone hit Gaza aid flotilla in Tunisia, authorities deny attack
The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement overnight that a vessel known as the “Family Boat” and travelling under a Portuguese flag was struck by a drone, but that no one aboard was hurt
Tunisian people chant in support of the the Global Sumud Flotilla as it arrives at the port of Sidi Bou Saïd in Tunis (AP)
TUNIS: An international activist group seeking to deliver aid to Gaza on a flotilla says one of its boats was hit by what it believes was a drone while docked in Tunisia. Tunisian authorities denied a drone was involved, and said they are investigating a fire in a life jacket aboard the boat.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement overnight that a vessel known as the “Family Boat” and travelling under a Portuguese flag was struck by a drone, but that no one aboard was hurt.
Footage posted on the group's social media showed a flash of light landing on one of the boats and setting off what appears to be a fire.
The group, whose flotilla was scheduled to leave Tunisia on Wednesday, is expected to give a news conference in Tunis later Tuesday about what happened. It said the incident would not derail its mission to deliver aid to Gaza.
The flotilla is part of a broad movement seeking to deliver aid to Gaza by boat.
The Tunisian Interior Ministry said in a statement that reports about a drone attack were unfounded, and that specialised security units are investigating the results of a fire in a life jacket.
The Israeli military and Israeli government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
