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The Global Sumud Flotilla, aiming to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, remains resolute despite two attacks on their vessels in Tunisia. While organizers blame Israel and claim drone involvement (denied by Tunisian authorities), activists dismiss the attacks as mere distractions. They emphasize their determination to reach Gaza, open a humanitarian sea corridor, and ignore attempts at intimidation. Preparations continue for the flotilla’s departure, with boats arriving from various countries for a planned rendezvous in the Mediterranean. Despite concerns from family members, participants are steadfast in their mission to challenge the blockade.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
Attacks on flotilla described as distractions by activists who plan to continue their journey to end Gaza’s blockade.
Published On 11 Sep 2025
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Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia – Pro-Palestinian participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, seeking to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza, are adamant that they will continue their mission, despite two attacks on their vessels this week.
Attacks on the vessels docked at Sidi Bou Said port in Tunisia from projectiles on Monday night and Tuesday night led to no casualties, but have shaken flotilla participants.
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Organisers have blamed Israel for the attacks and said the boats were hit by drones. Tunisian authorities acknowledged the attacks but said no drones were detected, promising an investigation.
“We are definitely sailing to Gaza, there is nothing that will prevent us sailing to Gaza whatsoever,” said Tara Reynor O’Grady, a 55-year-old Irish human rights activist. “Don’t be distracted by the strikes, they are made to confuse people, then a lot of panic happens, a lot of false information goes around, but we are determined, we are clear and focused in the way we have to achieve our goal, which is to reach Gaza, break the siege and open a humanitarian sea corridor.”
Hundreds of volunteers had assembled on Wednesday at Sidi Bou Said, preparing to set sail. Boats had arrived from Spain on Sunday, with more vessels joining from Tunisia.
However, the flotilla, named after the Arabic word for perseverance, is yet to depart from Tunisia, with preparations continuing.
According to organisers, the plan is for a first wave of vessels – the ones in the best condition – to set sail together to a point in the Mediterranean Sea, where they will rendezvous with other boats departing from ports in Italy and Greece.
Determined to continue
The attacks earlier this week hit two of the flotilla’s ships – the Family boat, which has had several members of the flotilla’s steering committee, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, on board; and the Alma.
Tadhg Hickey, an Irish comedian, writer and filmmaker who has been on board the Alma, told Al Jazeera that the attacks were “mere distractions”.
The flotilla’s steering committee has insisted that the vessels will continue on their way to Gaza despite the attacks.
“Israel continues to breach international law and terrorise us. We will sail to break the blockade on Gaza no matter what they do,” one steering committee member, Saif Abukeshek, said.
An activist waves a Palestinian flag in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla as it arrives at the port of Sidi Bou Said, in Tunis, Tunisia, on Sunday, September 7, 2025 [Anis Mili/AP]
Some flotilla participants have had to field anguished calls from family members worried about their safety.
“My mother found out about the attack while I was asleep, and she is really struggling,” said one volunteer, who insisted she would carry on to Gaza.
