SHAH ALAM: The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirmed that one of its main vessels, the Family Boat, carrying members of the GSF steering committee, was attacked by an Israeli drone in Tunisian waters, Sinar Harian reports.
According to a GSF press release, the boat was sailing under the Portuguese flag, and all six passengers and crew members are safe, the Malay language daily reported.
The GSF said that a fire caused damage to the ship’s main deck and the storage area below.
“An investigation is underway, and as soon as further information is available, it will be announced immediately.
“The aggressive actions intended to intimidate and thwart our mission will not weaken our resolve. Our peaceful mission to break the blockade in Gaza and stand firm with its people will continue with full determination and commitment,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, an unnamed GSF member, in a video uploaded on the group’s Instagram page, said that six people were on the Family Boat during the drone attack, with two sleeping near the bombed area.
“Based on the available evidence, which is currently limited, it appears that an incendiary device, a type of fire-starting material, was used on the vessel, causing a fire approximately 2m wide that lasted five to six minutes.
“Fortunately, the crew onboard managed to extinguish the fire themselves. Thankfully, no one was injured.
“There were two individuals sleeping quite close to where the fire occurred, and in total, six people were on the ship,” he said.
The GSF mission is an international humanitarian effort collectively organised to open a sea route for aid and express global solidarity with the people of Gaza.
