Drone Incident Involving Greta Thunberg's Gaza Flotilla Raises Controversy

Sat Sep 13 2025 23:14:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A vessel carrying renowned activist Greta Thunberg as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla was reportedly struck by a drone near Tunisia, with conflicting accounts from organizers and Tunisian authorities.

The Global Sumud Flotilla claims one of its vessels was hit by a drone while sailing towards Gaza, invoking strong responses from both activists and authorities. The incident has sparked a debate on the legitimacy of the reports, with Tunisian officials denying such an occurrence and suggesting the explosion originated from within the vessel. Eyewitnesses, including international figures like Francesca Albanese, are calling for further investigations into the event's circumstances.

A vessel sailing for Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes prominent activist Greta Thunberg, was allegedly struck by a drone, according to the flotilla organizers. Footage shared on Instagram appears to show the Portuguese-flagged vessel being hit by an unidentified object, raising alarm among its passengers and supporters.

Despite claims from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) that all passengers aboard were safe, Tunisian authorities quickly refuted the assertion that a drone was involved in the incident. They stated there was no evidence to support the claim, citing preliminary assessments that indicated the explosion originated internally on the vessel.

The GSF, which set sail from Barcelona and arrived in Tunisia recently, aims to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza. They reported that their Family boat sustained damages from a fire caused by an incendiary device but confirmed the crew was able to extinguish the flames.

Investigative statements from Tunisian national guards and independent experts complicate matters further, as they assert no drones were spotted and ongoing investigations aim to clarify the cause of the explosion. However, videos circulating among various media outlets indicate otherwise, with analysts suggesting the object may have been released from above, predominantly hinting at drone involvement.

Francesca Albanese, a UN Human Rights Council representative residing in Tunisia, emphasized the seriousness of the potential attack, indicating that a validated assault could represent an aggression against Tunisian sovereignty. Some observers have linked this incident to broader geopolitical tensions surrounding humanitarian aid in the region.

This incident recalls previous attempts by aid flotillas to reach Gaza amid accusations from Israel that such missions serve as publicity stunts rather than genuine humanitarian efforts. Authorities have noted several previous allegations of drone strikes against ships attempting to deliver aid to the besieged territory.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has escalated recently, with UN officials confirming severe shortages and a humanitarian catastrophe as direct results of the ongoing conflict and blockade. Israel, however, disputes claims of starvation within Gaza, framing the narrative around security and the actions of Hamas.

The Global Sumud Flotilla continues to navigate the complex landscape of international aid and activism, with this latest incident raising further questions about safety, sovereignty, and the challenges of delivering necessary assistance in conflict zones.