Activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) claimed one of their aid ships was struck by a drone near Tunisia on September 9, 2025. The Portuguese-flagged vessel, called the “Family Boat,” was anchored off Sidi Bou Said when a fire broke out on its deck.
GSF members said the fire resulted from an incendiary device dropped by a suspected drone. CCTV footage shared by the activists reportedly shows a flash of light, a fire, and a humming sound, with crew members calling for help. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila said the crew saw a drone approach before the device landed on the ship.
The crew quickly controlled the blaze, and no injuries were reported. Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, stated that if confirmed, a drone attack would be an assault on Tunisia and its sovereignty. The GSF said the incident would not stop its humanitarian mission.
However, Tunisian authorities rejected the flotilla’s claims. Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesperson for the national guard, told AFP that no drones had been detected. Tunisian investigators suggested the fire may have been caused by a cigarette igniting life jackets on board. The Interior Ministry dismissed the drone reports on social media as “baseless.”
The GSF is an international initiative with participants from 44 countries. Its mission is to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli naval blockade. High-profile members include Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
The flotilla has faced previous challenges. In June 2025, Israeli forces intercepted a British-flagged yacht from the flotilla. In 2010, an Israeli raid on a similar mission resulted in the deaths of nine activists. Despite these obstacles, the GSF continues its efforts to deliver aid and draw attention to humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
The conflicting reports have drawn international attention, highlighting tensions around humanitarian missions to Gaza and concerns over regional security in Tunisia.
For more on how the Gaza boycott is reshaping Pakistan’s beverage market, read our full report here.
