TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — A global activist group searching for to ship assist to Gaza on a flotilla says certainly one of its boats was hit by what it believes was a drone whereas docked in Tunisia. Tunisian authorities denied a drone was concerned and stated they’re investigating a hearth in a life jacket aboard the boat.
The International Sumud Flotilla stated in a press release in a single day {that a} vessel often called the “Family Boat,” touring underneath a Portuguese flag, “was struck by a drone,” however that nobody aboard was damage.
Footage posted on the group’s social media confirmed a flash of sunshine touchdown on one of many boats and setting off what seems to be a hearth.
The group, whose flotilla was scheduled to depart Tunisia on Wednesday, is predicted to provide a information convention in Tunis later Tuesday about what occurred. It stated the incident wouldn’t derail its mission to ship assist to Gaza.
The flotilla is a part of a broad motion searching for to ship assist to Gaza by boat.
The Household Boat was carrying probably the most well-known members of the flotilla, together with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. It’s nonetheless unclear in the event that they have been on board throughout the reported assault.
Ufuk Celal Guzel/Anadolu by way of Getty Pictures
Portuguese activist Miguel Duarte, who was aboard the vessel, stated at a press convention in Tunis on Tuesday that he clearly noticed a drone only a few meters above his head moments earlier than an explosion.
“The drone stood a few seconds on top of a bunch of life jackets. and then dropped a bomb,” Duarte stated. “The bomb exploded, and there was a big flame, there was a fire on board immediately. We picked up the fire extinguishers, we were able to fight the fire successfully, and everybody was safe, fortunately.”
The Tunisian Inside Ministry stated in a press release that experiences a couple of drone assault have been unfounded, and that specialised safety items are investigating the outcomes of a hearth in a life jacket.
The Israeli army and Israeli authorities didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark
The flotilla — which activists name “Steadfastness” in Arabic — set sail from Barcelona final week hoping to move meals, water and drugs to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s blockade on the enclave’s maritime border. The group had speculated about drones flying overhead on livestreams and social media.
Yassine Mahjoub/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
Activists argue that the presence of medical doctors, artists, clergy and European politicians on board will assist highlight the blockade and Israel’s strikes to implement it.
Its voyage comes three months after a smaller activist flotilla crossed the Mediterranean with plans to ship assist to Gaza. An overland convoy touring throughout North Africa additionally tried to succeed in the border however was blocked by safety forces aligned with Egypt in japanese Libya.
Israel has beforehand dismissed such efforts as publicity stunts, saying a blockade is important to forestall smuggling, notably of weapons.
“Not only we continue our mission, we keep on going, but since that (attack) happened, thousands and thousands of people are now volunteering again to join our mission,” stated activist Thiago Ávila at Tuesday’s press convention.
