Brussels - Tunis: Europe and the Arabs
Reports indicate that a ship belonging to the Global Resilience Flotilla, a flotilla transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza, was attacked by a drone in Tunisian waters. This was reported by the organization itself, although local authorities denied the report. According to media reports in the Belgian capital this morning, including the website of the newspaper "Ewsblad," "Reports indicate that a fire broke out on the main deck and storage areas below on the Portuguese ship leading the mission, the "Family Boat." According to the organization, the six people on board were unharmed.
The organization describes the incident as a drone attack, but Tunisian authorities deny this claim. According to a National Guard spokesperson, the explosion was caused by the ship itself. He told Mosaique FM: "The allegations (of a drone attack) are unfounded."
Dozens of ships belonging to the Global Resilience Flotilla, carrying Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, left Barcelona last week. The organization aims to "break the illegal occupation of Gaza by sea and open a humanitarian corridor." A Belgian delegation is also on board.
In May, a ship belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) heading to Gaza was attacked, believed to have been targeted by Israeli drones, and later intercepted by the Israeli Navy. Two other ships belonging to the organization were also damaged.
The Global Resilience Flotilla, supported by delegations from 44 countries, seeks to deliver aid to Gaza despite the Israeli naval blockade imposed since 2007. This blockade was imposed after Hamas took control of Gaza, with the aim of preventing arms shipments from reaching the armed group.
The organization behind the aid flotilla confirmed that the incident will not deter its mission. It remains committed to breaking the blockade and delivering aid to the people of Gaza. An investigation has been opened into the source of the drone.