Alleged ‘drone’ incident leaves Gaza flotilla shaken

Although the Global Sumud Flotilla has said that “nothing can silence the voices of peace nor the momentum of international solidarity,” it’s clear that the incident has left the group with concerns.

The Gaza-bound flotilla has been shaken by what they claim is a drone attack. Although the Global Sumud Flotilla has said that “nothing can silence the voices of peace nor the momentum of international solidarity,” it’s clear that the incident in the early hours of September 9 has left the group with concerns. Tunisia has denied that a drone struck one of the boats of the flotilla. Video appears to show some type of flaming object striking the 33 meter Family boat, one of the larger vessels in the armada.

The flotilla organizers said that the incident happened at 2:00 in the morning. They claimed at 4 a.m. that their “determination” was still powerful. The group arrived off the coast of Tunisia on Saturday and had been greeted in the port of Sidi Bou Said by supporters on September 7 and 8. Posts by the group throughout September 8 showed them among supporters. Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories arrived to greet the flotilla on September 8.

The flotilla had been expected to continue on their journey toward Gaza this week. They were also expecting to meet dozens of other boats. The flotilla left Barcelona on September 1 with around 20 boats. Several turned back due to heavy winds. The flotilla then anchored off Minorca for two days and then made the crossing to Tunisia on September 5-7. The flotilla members have been paranoid about drones throughout the trip. When they were off Minora they also claimed to be seeing drones.

Previous flotillas and their attempts to reach Gaza

This isn’t the first time activists on a flotilla bound for Gaza have claimed to be attacked by drones. A ship called Conscience was also allegedly attacked off Malta in May, 2025. That vessel was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The alleged incident derailed the plans of the group in May. In June, another ship called the Madleen tried to get to Gaza but was boarded by the IDF.

In the wake of the alleged drone attack on September 9, the flotilla remained anchored off the coast of Tunisia. They are near the marina of Sidi Bou Said, a bucolic coastal town north of Tunis. The area is known for cafes and art galleries, and is popular with tourists. The flotilla has now been distracted by the claims of the drone attack. They have held a press conference and sought attention from the incident.

It is not clear how damaged the boat named Family is from the incident. It is one of the larger vessels. It is not a sailboat but more like a pleasure craft yacht. There are several other large non-sailing vessels in the group. However, many of the boats in the armada consist of sailboats. The group is expected to be joined by more vessels coming from Italy. It is not clear if the “drone” incident has derailed these plans or postponed them.