Tensions erupt over fire on Greta Thunberg's boat bound for Gaza

Photo of Mohamed Bassuoni in Unsplash

The boat Family Boat, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla and known for having carried activist Greta Thunberg on board, suffered a fire in the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, generating contradictory versions about the cause of the fire.

According to flotilla organizers, the fire started after an incendiary device launched from a drone flying over the area struck the ship. Images posted on social media show what appears to be a burning device falling onto the deck of the ship, where six crew members were on board. None were injured.

Tunisian authorities, however, denied the report of an attack. The Interior Ministry stated that there was no drone activity in the area and attributed the fire to an internal source, possibly a lighter or cigarette butt that hit a life jacket.

UN Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, warned that if the use of an external drone is confirmed, it would constitute a violation of Tunisian sovereignty.

This episode adds to a series of incidents that have marked the missions of the Global Sumud Flotilla, intended to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. In June, another of the movement's ships was intercepted by Israel, while in August, activists reported being tracked by drones on the high seas.

Greta Thunberg was not on board at the time of the fire, although she had participated in the mission in previous weeks. Following the incident, organizers assured that the flotilla will continue its journey to Gaza, backed, they say, by increased international solidarity.

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Sources:

• EFE