Tunis, Tunisia (AP) – International activist group trying to deliver Assistance to Gaza The fleet says that while docked in Tunisia, one of the boats was hit by what they believed was a drone. Tunisian authorities denied the drone being involved and said they were investigating the fire in a life jacket on the boat.
Global Sumud Flotilla said in a statement that a vessel known as the “family boat” moving under the Portuguese flag was “struck by a drone” but no one was injured.
Footage posted to the group’s social media showed one of the boats flashing light landing, leaving what looked like a fire.
The group, whose fleet was due to leave Tunisia on Wednesday, is scheduled to hold a press conference in Tunis on Tuesday about what happened. It said the incident would not disrupt its mission to bring aid to Gaza.
The fleet is part of a widespread move to provide assistance to Gaza with boats.
The family boat carried the most famous members of the fleet, including Swedish activists Greta Samberg Former Barcelona mayor Ada Kollow. It is still unknown if they were on board during the reported attack.
Portuguese activist Miguel Duarte, who was on the ship, said at a press conference in Tunis on Tuesday that he had clearly seen the drone a few meters above the explosion.
“The drone stood on a bunch of life jackets for a few seconds, then dropped a bomb,” Duarte said. “The bomb exploded, there was a huge flame, and there was a fire right away. We were able to pick up the fire extinguisher and fight the fire. Luckily, everyone was safe.”
In a statement, Tunisia’s Home Ministry said there was no basis for reports on the drone attack, and that the specialized security unit is investigating the outcome of the life jacket fire.
The Israeli military and the Israeli government did not immediately respond to requests for comment
Fleet – Activists call it “imouto” in Arabic – Departing from Barcelona Last week, they refused Israel’s blockade at Israeli maritime borders, hoping to transport food, water and medicine to Gaza. The group was speculating on live streams and social media about drones flying overhead.
Activists argue that the presence of doctors, artists, clergy and European politicians on board will help to highlight the lockdown and Israeli movement.
The voyage takes place three months later Smaller activist fleet They crossed the Mediterranean with plans to provide assistance to Gaza. Land fleets traveling through North Africa also tried to reach the border, but were blocked by security forces alongside Egypt in eastern Libya.
Israel previously rejected the following efforts: Promotional stunts, It is necessary to say blockade to prevent smuggling, especially weapons smuggling.
“We are not only continuing our mission, we are continuing it, but as it (attack) happened, thousands of people are volunteering again on our mission,” said activist Thiago Avila at a press conference Tuesday.
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Zampano reported from Rome. Sam Metz of Rabat, Morocco, contributed to this report
