ISTANBUL, Sept 10 — The Global Sumud Flotilla reported a second suspected drone attack on one of its vessels on Tuesday as the aid convoy prepares to depart Tunisia for Gaza, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that on September 9, another boat in our fleet — the 'Alma' — was attacked by a drone as it was docked in Tunisian waters," it said in a statement.
The boat, sailing under the British flag, sustained fire damage on its top deck. An investigation is currently underway regarding the attack.
It said the attack is "an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission," but it "continues undeterred."
Activist Leila Hegazy described the attack on the Alma during her shift change.
"This is drone strike number two on one of the boats. We hope this is not a nightly occurrence, because they are playing lots of games," she said.
Another activist witnessed the attack firsthand, stating they saw the drone "literally right above, maybe 20 feet" before it caused a fire.
"We sounded the alarm. We yelled. We had the hoses ready, and it was out within two minutes," they said.
On a livestream, one activist said there was no significant structural damage after an initial examination, and everyone in the boat was safe.
"Two nights in a row. It is not a coincidence. It is not an accident.
"This is a threat to the mission, and it is a serious threat that we are taking very seriously," she said.
The activist added that this is a "clear intimidation tactic" to "scare people from boarding their vessels tomorrow."
"We will not be deterred," she said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the flotilla had reported that its main vessel, the "Family Boat," was struck by a suspected drone off Tunisia's coast.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, named after the Arabic word for “steadfastness,” is made up of more than 50 ships carrying people from various countries, including doctors, journalists and campaigners. Around 150 activists, including Tunisians, Turks and others from Europe, Africa and Asia — are participating in the initiative.
The flotilla set sail from Barcelona in late August along with another group from Genoa, Italy and is expected to depart Tunisia on Wednesday for Gaza.
The initiative aims to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to the enclave.
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported on Aug 22 that famine had taken hold in northern Gaza and warned that it could spread as Israel’s blockade continues.
