Global Sumud Flotilla Suffers Explosive Attacks En Route to Gaza, Tunisian Authorities Acknowledge “Premeditated Aggression”
TUNISIA - The Global sumud Flotilla, a mission aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, has been targeted by multiple attacks involving explosive devices while sailing from Tunisia, prompting condemnation and raising concerns of escalating violence against civilian aid efforts.The Tunisian government, initially downplaying accusations of an assault, now acknowledges the incidents as a “premeditated aggression.”
The attacks occurred prior to the flotilla’s departure from Tunisian waters, with organizers reporting two successive strikes against the vessels. Israel has stated it will prevent the flotilla from reaching Gaza, currently under siege and facing a declared famine by the UN, and proposed docking in Ashkelon rather. This latest incident follows Israel’s previous blockage of two fleets attempting to reach Gaza by sea in June and July. more then 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing offensive orchestrated by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.
A young tunisian activist from the Communist party, who participated in the 2011 Tunisian Revolution and is traveling with the flotilla, shared a video documenting the situation. Despite the attacks and Israeli opposition, the flotilla maintains its resolve. “We are currently direct witnesses to these psychological operations, but we will not be intimidated,” a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla reads.
The flotilla’s mission comes as international pressure mounts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UN has repeatedly warned of widespread famine and the collapse of essential services. The attacks against the flotilla are drawing criticism from aid organizations and human rights groups, who argue that obstructing humanitarian aid constitutes a violation of international law.
