Tunisian officials have dismissed claims that a Gaza-bound aid ship was targeted by a drone strike near the capital, stating there was “no hostile act or external targeting” involved in the incident.
The vessel, part of the “Freedom Flotilla” that departed from Barcelona carrying humanitarian supplies and pro-Palestinian activists, reported a fire breaking out late Monday while docked near Sidi Bou Said. Organisers alleged the blaze was caused by a drone strike, prompting widespread speculation online.
However, in a statement carried by Agence France-Presse, Tunisia’s National Guard said preliminary inspections indicated the fire originated from a life jacket ignited by a cigarette or lighter, refuting any suggestion of an attack.
Six people were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident and were reported unharmed, though material damage was sustained. A journalist from AFP witnessed several boats surrounding the vessel after the fire had been extinguished.
The flotilla condemned what it described as “aggressive acts aimed at obstructing its mission” to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza and end what it called the “ongoing genocide” against Palestinians.
Reuters reported that dozens gathered outside the port waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine.”
