NextFin news, On Monday, September 8, 2025, a drone attacked one of the main ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla in Tunisian territorial waters, according to the organization behind the flotilla. The ship, flying the Portuguese flag and carrying members including Swedish environmental and human rights activist Greta Thunberg, sustained fire damage but no crew or passengers were injured.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is an international initiative involving around 20 vessels and hundreds of participants from 44 countries, including ten Finns, aiming to break the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. The flotilla departed from Barcelona at the end of August.
Videos shared by the organization on Instagram show a glowing object falling onto the ship, followed by smoke and fire. The organization stated that the attack was an act of aggression intended to deter their mission but affirmed that it would not stop their efforts.
The Tunisian National Guard, however, denied observing any drones linked to the incident and suggested the damage might have resulted from an internal explosion. The flotilla's organizers are currently investigating the event.
Greta Thunberg, who is aboard one of the flotilla's boats, confirmed via social media that she was in a Tunisian port after the bombing and that no one was on board the ship at the time of the attack.
The flotilla is organized by the non-governmental organization Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which has previously attempted to break the Gaza blockade. Earlier this year, in June, Israeli forces boarded one of their ships, detaining and deporting activists including Thunberg.
The incident has drawn international attention, with UN envoy Francesca Albanese calling the strike "grave" and awaiting further investigation.
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