Global Sumud Flotilla faces drone attacks while attempting to reach Gaza

The Global Sumud Flotilla, an activist group aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, reported a drone attack on its vessel, 'Alma,' while it was docked in Tunisian waters on September 9, 2025. This incident followed a similar attack on another boat in the flotilla just a day prior. All crew and passengers on board the 'Alma' were reported safe despite the fire damage sustained on the boat's top deck. The group confirmed that an investigation into the attacks is ongoing, and they aim to provide updates as further information becomes available. The flotilla's efforts come amidst reports of intensified Israeli aggression towards Palestinians in Gaza, with the activists claiming these drone strikes are part of an orchestrated attempt to disrupt their mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues to assert its commitment to breaking what they describe as Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza and to standing in solidarity with the Palestinian people. This flotilla, which includes notable individuals such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, represents an ongoing movement advocating for humanitarian relief in the war-torn region. In past incidents, Israeli forces have actively engaged with similar activist flotillas, often boarding and seizing vessels attempting to breach the maritime blockade they maintain. Previous confrontations have led to tragic outcomes, including the deaths of activists during the 2010 raid on a flotilla en route to Gaza. The Israeli government has dismissed these flotilla efforts as mere publicity stunts, arguing that the blockade is necessary for security reasons to prevent arms smuggling into Palestinian territories ruled by Hamas. The global discourse surrounding these flotillas is quite contentious, with supporters arguing for humanitarian access to Gaza and critics emphasizing security concerns. The ongoing situation has drawn attention from various international actors and media, all of which have sought insights into both the humanitarian conditions faced by Gazans and the political complexities of the blockade. As investigations by Tunisian authorities continue following these recent drone attacks, the flotilla remains determined to continue its mission despite the challenges it faces.