The article originally published on Common Dreams on September 9, 2025, reports about a pro-Palestinian protest in Tunis, Tunisia. The protest was sparked by an alleged drone attack on a boat, part of a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza. The boat, belonging to the Global Sumud Flotilla, was reportedly struck while anchored in the harbor and was carrying the group’s steering committee, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, human rights activist Yasemin Acar, and Brazilian organizer Thiago Avila. No injuries were reported from the incident.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 50 boats, is the latest group attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the Israeli blockade imposed since October 2023. The blockade has led to significant casualties and starvation among the Palestinian population. Israel has previously stopped several aid boats from reaching Gaza and detained organizers.
The United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, stated that the reports of a drone attack need verification but noted Israel’s history of attacking aid vessels bound for Gaza. Tunisian officials, however, have disputed the drone attack claims, attributing the fire on the boat to a cigarette butt or lighter. The incident has raised questions about potential violations of Tunisian sovereignty.