aid Fleet bound for gaza Targeted in Second Drone Attack Off Tunisian Coast
Sidi Boussaid,Tunisia – A vessel within a flotilla preparing to sail to Gaza was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters late Tuesday,sparking a fire onboard,organizers confirmed. This marks the second reported attack on the fleet within 48 hours, raising concerns about the safety of the humanitarian mission aiming to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The “Alma” boat, flying the British flag, was anchored near Sidi Boussaid, a northern suburb of Tunisia, when it was targeted. While the fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, the incident underscores escalating tensions surrounding the aid convoy’s planned departure for Gaza on Wednesday. Organizers say the attacks demonstrate a pattern of interference with their efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory,which has faced severe restrictions on goods and movement for years.
“A second night and a second attack with a drone,” stated Melanie Chavizer, an organizer with the initiative, to agence France Presse.
Earlier this week, the fleet reported another vessel, identified as the ”Family” boat, was similarly attacked, resulting in a fire. Tunisian authorities initially denied reports of an air strike or any aircraft activity in the area at the time of that incident.
The fleet originated in Barcelona, spain, and intends to deliver aid to Gaza in an effort to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The organizers have not publicly identified who they believe is responsible for the attacks. Following the latest incident, activists gathered on Sidi Boussaid Beach to protest.
The planned voyage comes amid heightened international scrutiny of the situation in Gaza, where a significant portion of the population relies on humanitarian aid. The Israeli government maintains the blockade is necessary for security reasons, preventing weapons from reaching Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza.