• Global Sumud Flotilla reports two drone attacks on its vessels in Tunisia.
• Tunisian authorities acknowledge attacks as "premeditated aggression."
• Activists, including Greta Thunberg, remain committed to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Global Sumud Flotilla has encountered two successive nights of drone attacks on its vessels docked in Tunisia, pushing back its scheduled departure to Gaza. On September 9th, the British-flagged vessel "Alma" sustained fire damage on its top deck, and no injuries were reported. This incident followed a similar attack on another vessel, the "Family Boat," the night before, prompting the flotilla to declare that these incidents are an "orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission," as stated by the activists involved, according to TRT Global and South China Morning Post.

Participants on the flotilla reported seeing drones hover above the vessels just before the attacks, which were confirmed by security camera footage. Tomas Avila, an activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla, emphasized, “This is a clear intimidation tactic, but we will not be deterred.” Even so, Tunisian officials initially dismissed the allegations but later classified the attacks as "premeditated aggression," indicating an ongoing investigation. This acknowledgment was reported by The Jakarta Post and Middle East Eye.

The flotilla departed from Spain on September 1st, aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza through its humanitarian mission. Participants include activists from 44 countries, among them notable figures like Greta Thunberg. Following the attacks, the organizers reiterated their commitment to proceed with their journey, calling the attempts to hinder them "mere distractions." "We will sail to break the blockade on Gaza no matter what they do," confirmed a member of the flotilla's steering committee, citing concerns over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as emphasized by Africa News and CBS News.

These attacks on the vessels, which included the Portuguese-flagged "Family," have drawn international attention to the plight of Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis as the UN warns of starvation affecting large segments of the population. Activists expressed hope that their mission would not only deliver critical supplies but also raise awareness about the blockade, aligning their cause with global calls for humanitarian action, as reiterated by Al Jazeera and Africa News.