The Mediterranean Sea has once again become the stage for high-stakes drama, as an international flotilla of activists attempting to break Israel’s longstanding blockade of Gaza has reported being targeted by drone attacks for two consecutive nights. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a coalition of pro-Palestinian campaigners from around the world, confirmed that on September 9, 2025, its British-flagged aid vessel, the 'Alma,' was struck by a drone while docked in Tunisian waters. Miraculously, all passengers and crew emerged unscathed, but the incident has sparked international scrutiny and reignited debates over the region’s volatile politics.
According to a statement released by the GSF and reported by CBS News, “The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that on September 9, another — the 'Alma' — was attacked by a drone as it was docked in Tunisian waters.” The group shared a video clip purportedly showing the moment a fireball, apparently from above, struck the vessel’s top deck, igniting a blaze that was quickly extinguished. “The boat, sailing under the British flag, sustained fire damage on its top deck. The fire has since been extinguished, and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway and when more information is available it will be released immediately,” the statement continued.
This attack marked the second such incident in as many days. The night before, the Portuguese-flagged 'Family' vessel—another key ship in the flotilla—was reportedly targeted in a similar fashion. Both incidents occurred while the boats were docked off the coast of Tunisia, near the port town of Sidi Bou Saïd, where Tunisian coastal police were seen alongside the flotilla boats the following morning, according to The Independent and Al Jazeera.
Eyewitness accounts from onboard the 'Alma' painted a chaotic scene. Security camera footage released by the activists captured people shouting “fire” and pointing skyward as projectiles landed on deck, exploding and setting off a blaze. Thiago Ávila, a Brazilian activist and spokesperson for the flotilla, told reporters, “A drone came and dropped another incendiary device.” He added, “Fortunately, it was contained with no structural damage to our boat, with no wounds to our team and we continue our mission to break the siege of Gaza.” A photo posted by the group showed a charred object covered in melted plastic, which they claim was dropped by the drone.
The flotilla, comprising around 20 boats, set sail from Barcelona on September 1, 2025, carrying what organizers describe as a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. The mission’s stated goal is to break Israel’s maritime blockade, which has been in place for years as a measure, Israeli officials argue, to prevent weapons and contraband from reaching Hamas, the group that rules Gaza and is designated as a terrorist organization by both Israel and the United States. Notably, the GSF’s ranks include high-profile figures such as Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, both traveling aboard the motherships 'Alma' and 'Family,' which provide support and provisions to the smaller vessels.
As the flotilla pressed on with its journey, the activists issued a defiant statement: “These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza, and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred. Our peaceful voyage to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza and stand in unwavering solidarity with its people presses forward with determination and resolve.”
The response from Tunisian authorities has been cautious. After the first alleged attack, officials initially dismissed the possibility of a drone strike. However, following the second incident, Tunisian authorities stated they were investigating, though the Ministry of the Interior and other agencies have yet to make any public comment, as reported by CBS News and Al Jazeera. Tunisian coastal police have maintained a visible presence near the flotilla, but official details about the ongoing investigation remain scant.
Israel, for its part, has remained silent on the most recent accusations. The country has a long history of intercepting activist flotillas attempting to reach Gaza, most notably in 2010 when Israeli commandos raided the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the deaths of at least nine activists. Israeli authorities have consistently dismissed such flotillas as “publicity stunts,” insisting that the blockade is a necessary security measure to prevent the smuggling of weapons and materials that could be used by Hamas and other militant groups. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not responded to requests for comment on the latest incidents.
Some flotilla participants have openly blamed Israel for the drone attacks, citing buzzing sounds consistent with unmanned aircraft in videos and reports of drones hovering over them since departing Barcelona. Ada Colau, the former Barcelona mayor, remarked, “Israel has done this on other occasions, to send a drone to sabotage some of the flotilla’s boats. This has happened before.” However, the activists have not provided concrete evidence linking Israel to these specific attacks, and Israeli officials have not addressed the allegations.
The political ramifications of the attacks extend beyond the immediate safety of the flotilla. According to Al Jazeera, Israel’s far-right Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has submitted a proposal to the Cabinet to classify flotilla members as security prisoners, a move that could result in their prolonged detention if intercepted. Ben-Gvir is also seeking to label domestic protesters against the war as “supporters of terror,” though both measures face significant legal and political hurdles and are considered unlikely to pass. If the flotilla is intercepted by Israeli forces, as has happened in the past, its members are expected to be deported within days.
This is not the first time activist boats have reported being targeted. In May, another vessel claimed to have been attacked by drones in international waters off Malta. Overland convoys have also been blocked by security forces, such as those aligned with Egypt in eastern Libya, underscoring the immense challenges faced by international activists seeking to deliver aid to Gaza.
The GSF’s journey has drawn global attention, not only for its humanitarian aims but also for the risks its members are willing to face. The group’s determination remains unshaken despite the dangers, as evidenced by their continued progress and unwavering statements. Whether their mission will succeed in breaking the blockade or merely highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the coming days will likely see further developments—and perhaps, more international scrutiny.
For now, the Mediterranean remains tense, the fate of the flotilla uncertain, and the eyes of the world fixed on a handful of boats determined to challenge the status quo.
