Flotilla for Gaza reports second drone attack on boat at Tunisian port

Footage shows fire on deck after projectile lands

The Global Sumud Flotilla claims one of its boats has been attacked by a drone at a Tunisian port, in what it says is the second such strike in as many days.

The GSF, which is seeking to break Israel's naval blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza using civilian boats, said all passengers and crew were unharmed.

Footage from the group on Wednesday morning showed what it said was a projectile striking the deck and sparking a fire. It later showed pictures of what appeared to be a military incendiary device.

GSF reported the first attack on Tuesday, saying one of its vessels had been struck by a drone in Tunisian waters at the Sidi Bou Said port, reports Tunisian authorities said were false.

A Tunisian Coast Guard spokesperson did not respond to a call from the Reuters news agency on Wednesday. One of the flotilla's organisers accused Israel of carrying out the attack.

“Israel continues to breach international law and terrorise us. We will sail to break the blockade on Gaza no matter what they do,” said Saif Abukeshek, a member of the GSF steering committee.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The flotilla posted a video on Instagram of the alleged attack, showing a luminous object hitting the boat and fire erupting on board.

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  Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese gather in Tunis to support a humanitarian flotilla bound for Gaza. EPA

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  CCTV footage shows what is said to be an incendiary device sparking a fire on the Alma, a vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla, off the coast of Tunisia. Photo: Global Sumud Flotilla

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  Pro-Palestinian supporters attend a protest in Tunis after what is said to be a second attack on a humanitarian ship. EPA

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  A pro-Palestinian supporter holds a flare during a protest against what is said to be a second attack. EPA

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  US Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese attends a press conference in Tunis. AFP

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  A member of the Global Sumud Flotilla speaks at the press conference in Tunis to confirm that all six passengers and crew on board were reported safe after the second attack. Reuters

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  In this image made from video, one of the vessels is hit by an object on Tuesday while docked in Tunisia. AP

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  CCTV footage shows people running as fire approaches a vessel. Reuters

Following the strike, hundreds gathered near the port, where the flotilla's boats were located at the time of the incident, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.

The group said that the British-flagged Alma sustained fire damage to its top deck and an investigation was under way.