Activist group says drone hit Gaza help boat off Tunisia

[ad_1] TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — A global activist group in search of to ship aid to Gaza on a flotilla says one in all its boats was hit by what it believes was a drone whereas docked in Tunisia. Tunisian authorities denied a drone was concerned and stated they're investigating a hearth in a life jacket aboard the boat.

The World Sumud Flotilla stated in an announcement in a single day {that a} vessel referred to as the “Household Boat,” touring beneath a Portuguese flag, “was struck by a drone,” however that nobody aboard was damage.

Footage posted on the group’s social media confirmed a flash of sunshine touchdown on one of many boats and setting off what seems to be a hearth.

The group, whose flotilla was scheduled to depart Tunisia on Wednesday, is anticipated to provide a information convention in Tunis later Tuesday about what occurred. It stated the incident wouldn't derail its mission to ship help to Gaza.

The flotilla is a part of a broad motion in search of to ship help to Gaza by boat.

The Household Boat was carrying essentially the most well-known members of the flotilla, together with Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau. It's nonetheless unclear who was on board throughout the reported assault.

The Tunisian Inside Ministry stated in an announcement that stories a couple of drone assault had been unfounded, and that specialised safety models are investigating the outcomes of a hearth in a life jacket.

The Israeli navy and Israeli authorities didn't instantly reply to requests for remark

The flotilla — which activists name “Steadfastness” in Arabic — set sail from Barcelona final week hoping to move meals, water and drugs to Gaza in defiance of Israel’s blockade on the enclave’s maritime border. The group had speculated about drones flying overhead on livestreams and social media.

Activists argue that the presence of docs, artists, clergy and European politicians on board will assist highlight the blockade and Israel’s strikes to implement it.

Its voyage comes three months after a smaller activist flotilla crossed the Mediterranean with plans to ship help to Gaza. An overland convoy touring throughout North Africa additionally tried to succeed in the border however was blocked by safety forces aligned with Egypt in jap Libya.

Israel has beforehand dismissed such efforts as publicity stunts, saying a blockade is important to forestall smuggling, significantly of weapons.

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