By 
A Gaza-bound aid flotilla has sparked controversy after an explosion onboard one of its vessels. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an independent aid group, claims a drone attack in Tunisian waters caused significant damage to their Portuguese-flagged ship. However, Tunisian officials strongly refute this claim, stating their investigation indicates the explosion originated from within the vessel itself.
The GSF maintains that a drone approached their ship, before releasing what they believe to be a bomb onto the forward deck. Crew member Miguel Duarte, who shared video evidence on Instagram, corroborates this account, highlighting the potential for fatalities. He emphasized the inherent dangers of their mission, particularly in light of recent events in the Israel-Hamas conflict that saw humanitarian workers killed. The GSF, composed of approximately 20 boats and participants from 44 countries, including prominent activist Greta Thunberg, represents the largest civilian maritime attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Despite the GSF’s assertions and Duarte’s eyewitness account, a Tunisian National Guard spokesperson dismissed the drone attack allegations as unfounded. The Tunisian government’s denial is a significant development, placing the incident’s cause into sharp question. A thorough investigation is currently underway, and the outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the international efforts to provide aid.
The incident has not deterred the GSF. They remain resolute in their mission, highlighting their commitment to breaking the blockade and standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The flotilla’s voyage continues, despite the damage and the conflicting accounts surrounding the explosion. The incident also drew immediate reaction from Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the West Bank and Gaza, who expressed serious concern and emphasized the need to investigate the incident thoroughly. She stated that a confirmed drone attack would constitute an act of aggression against Tunisia’s sovereignty.
The explosion occurred amid a complex geopolitical backdrop. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel’s blockade and the recent war, has seen a surge in starvation deaths. While aid resumed in May under a US and Israeli-backed system, the UN reports that nearly 1,400 people have died and 4,000 injured while seeking food, with a substantial number of deaths occurring near aid distribution sites. The conflicting narratives surrounding the incident underscore the tensions and complexities surrounding the delivery of aid to Gaza and the ongoing conflict in the region.
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