What began as a peaceful mission to challenge the blockade on Gaza took a frightening turn when the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was hit by a drone strike in Tunisian waters. The attack targeted the group’s so-called “family boat,” sparking outrage but also reinforcing the determination of activists who say they will not back down. A Lucky Escape at Sea Six passengers and crew were on board when the drone hit. While no one was injured, the vessel sustained fire damage on its main deck and storage area below. Despite the scare, the GSF made it clear that their mission—to break the siege on Gaza through non-violent action—remains unchanged. Support and Solidarity At a press conference in Tunisia, GSF officials publicly thanked the Tunisian government for standing with them. Activists highlighted that over the last 17 years, dozens of similar attempts have been made to challenge the blockade, with this being the 38th boat to face an attack. Among those showing support was Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, who joined thousands of members in voicing solidarity with Palestine. “We Will Not Give Up” GSF leaders struck a defiant tone, saying the attack only brought more supporters to their side. “They have the drones, the weapons, and violence. We have everything else. We stand together, steadfast, learning from Palestine. The Palestinian people never give up, and neither will we,” one official said. Sailing Under a Portuguese Flag The targeted boat was sailing under a Portuguese flag and carried members of the flotilla’s steering committee. Despite the fire damage, the organisation insisted that no act of aggression would derail their efforts to challenge the siege. A Parallel Crisis in Gaza While the flotilla pressed on with its mission, news broke that Israel had ordered a full evacuation of Gaza City. According to military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the Israel Defence Forces intend to fight Hamas “with great force” in the area, raising fears of further escalation. Looking Ahead For the Global Sumud Flotilla, the message is clear: their struggle is bigger than any one boat or attack. With more supporters joining since the drone strike, they say their mission is gathering strength, not losing it.

What began as a peaceful mission to challenge the blockade on Gaza took a frightening turn when the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was hit by a drone strike in Tunisian waters.

The attack targeted the group’s so-called “family boat,” sparking outrage but also reinforcing the determination of activists who say they will not back down.

A Lucky Escape at Sea

Six passengers and crew were on board when the drone hit.

While no one was injured, the vessel sustained fire damage on its main deck and storage area below.

Despite the scare, the GSF made it clear that their mission—to break the siege on Gaza through non-violent action—remains unchanged.

Support and Solidarity

At a press conference in Tunisia, GSF officials publicly thanked the Tunisian government for standing with them.

Activists highlighted that over the last 17 years, dozens of similar attempts have been made to challenge the blockade, with this being the 38th boat to face an attack.

Among those showing support was Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, who joined thousands of members in voicing solidarity with Palestine.

“We Will Not Give Up”

GSF leaders struck a defiant tone, saying the attack only brought more supporters to their side.

“They have the drones, the weapons, and violence. We have everything else. We stand together, steadfast, learning from Palestine.

The Palestinian people never give up, and neither will we,” one official said.

Sailing Under a Portuguese Flag

The targeted boat was sailing under a Portuguese flag and carried members of the flotilla’s steering committee.

Despite the fire damage, the organisation insisted that no act of aggression would derail their efforts to challenge the siege.

A Parallel Crisis in Gaza

While the flotilla pressed on with its mission, news broke that Israel had ordered a full evacuation of Gaza City.

According to military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, the Israel Defence Forces intend to fight Hamas “with great force” in the area, raising fears of further escalation.

Looking Ahead

For the Global Sumud Flotilla, the message is clear: their struggle is bigger than any one boat or attack.

With more supporters joining since the drone strike, they say their mission is gathering strength, not losing it.