By Enas Alashray and Tarek Amara
(Reuters) – The International Sumud Flotilla for Gaza mentioned on Tuesday that certainly one of its major boats was struck by a drone in Tunisian waters, although all six passengers and crew are protected.
The Portuguese-flagged boat, carrying the flotilla’s steering committee, sustained hearth harm to its major deck and below-deck storage, the GSF mentioned in an announcement.
Tunisia’s Nationwide Guard spokesman instructed Mosaique FM radio that reviews of a drone assault on the flotilla “don’t have any foundation in reality,” including that an preliminary inspection indicated the explosion originated contained in the vessel.
The flotilla is a world initiative searching for to ship humanitarian assist to war-torn Gaza through civilian boats supported by delegations from 44 nations.
After the strike, dozens of individuals gathered exterior Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Mentioned port, the place the flotilla’s boats have been docked, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine,” a Reuters witness mentioned.
Israel has imposed a naval blockade on the coastal enclave since Hamas took management of Gaza in 2007, saying it goals to cease weapons from reaching the militant group.
The blockade has remained in place by means of conflicts together with the present conflict, which started when Hamas attacked south Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies confirmed.
Israel’s subsequent army assault towards Hamas has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s well being ministry mentioned, whereas a worldwide starvation monitor mentioned a part of the enclave is affected by famine.
Israel sealed off Gaza by land in early March, letting in no provides for 3 months, arguing that Hamas was diverting assist.
The GSF additionally mentioned an investigation into the drone assault was underway and its outcomes could be launched as soon as accessible.
“Acts of aggression aimed toward intimidating and derailing our mission won’t deter us. Our peaceable mission to interrupt the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its individuals continues with dedication and resolve,” the GSF mentioned.
(Reporting by Enas Alashray and Tarek Amara; Modifying by Stephen Coates and Christopher Cushing)