Activist Group Reports Drone Attack on Gaza Aid Vessel in Tunisia; Authorities Deny Claims

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an international activist group, reported that one of its aid vessels bound for Gaza was struck by a drone while docked at Tunisia's Sidi Bou Said port on September 9, 2025. The Portuguese-flagged boat sustained fire damage, but all six crew members were unharmed.

Miguel Duarte, a Portuguese activist aboard the vessel, recounted the incident:

"I came out of the cover of the deck to see a drone hovering about three or four meters above my head... then we saw the drone move to the forward part of the deck... It stood a few seconds on top of a bunch of life jackets, and then dropped a bomb."

Duarte added that the explosion ignited a fire, which the crew managed to extinguish without injuries.

Tunisian authorities, however, denied any drone involvement. The National Guard suggested that the fire resulted from a cigarette butt igniting a life jacket onboard. The Interior Ministry stated that claims about a drone attack were unfounded, noting that the fire was quickly controlled with no significant damage.

The GSF released security camera footage purportedly showing a luminous object descending onto the boat, causing a fire. Following the video's release, Tunisian authorities announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the incident.

The Global Sumud Flotilla comprises vessels from 44 countries, aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's maritime blockade. The blockade, in place since 2007, has been tightened following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

Israel has previously intercepted similar flotillas, labeling them as publicity stunts and asserting that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapon smuggling into Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Tunisian incident.

Despite the incident, the GSF remains committed to its mission, with increased volunteer interest reported.