Second Gaza flotilla help boat attacked by drone in Tunisia, activist group says

An activist group sending a flotilla of help boats to attempt to attain Gaza — the World Sumud Flotilla — stated a second one among its vessels was attacked by a drone whereas docked in Tunisia someday after it reported a comparable strike.

“The World Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that on September 9, one other boat in our fleet — the ‘Alma’ — was attacked by a drone because it was docked in Tunisian waters,” the group stated in a press release on Wednesday. “The boat, crusing underneath the British flag, sustained hearth harm on its high deck. The hearth has since been extinguished, and all passengers and crew are protected. An investigation is presently underway and when extra info is offered it will likely be launched instantly.”

The group shared a video clip that it stated confirmed the second of the second assault. The video appeared to indicate a fireball hitting the deck of the boat from above.

A day earlier, GSF shared a safety digital camera video that appeared to indicate the primary drone strike on one other one among its vessels. 

“This marks the second such assault in two days. These repeat assaults come throughout intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza, and are an orchestrated try and distract and derail our mission. The World Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred. Our peaceable voyage to interrupt Israel’s unlawful siege on Gaza and stand in unwavering solidarity with its folks presses ahead with dedication and resolve,” the group stated.

Swedish local weather activist Greta Thunberg, who took half in a separate Gaza flotilla that was stopped by Israeli forces earlier this yr, is amongst these touring with the GSF flotilla.

After the primary alleged assault, Tunisian officers initially dismissed the allegations. GSF later stated Tunisia was investigating.

Tunisia’s Ministry of the Inside has not replied to CBS Information’ requests for touch upon the purported drone assaults or any investigation it’s finishing up.

Israel maintains a blockade of Gaza, together with its maritime border within the Mediterranean, so the flotilla wouldn’t have permission to dock there.

Israeli forces have beforehand boarded and seized vessels collaborating in activist flotillas to forestall them from breaching its blockade, together with in a raid on a ship in 2010 that left at the least 9 activists lifeless.

Israel has dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts, and says its maritime blockade is critical to forestall weapons and different supplies being smuggled into the war-torn Palestinian territory, which has lengthy been dominated by the U.S.- and Israeli-designated terrorist group Hamas.

Israel’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs has not responded to CBS Information’ requests for touch upon the matter.