Fire on Gaza-bound flotilla ship a planned assault: Tunisia's interior ministry

11/9/2025 7:18

A fire on a Gaza-bound vessel docked at a Tunisian port was the result of a planned assault, Tunisia's interior ministry said on Wednesday, adding it was launching an investigation into the incident.



The blaze broke out early Tuesday on the "Family," the largest ship in the Global Sumud Flotilla, while it was moored at Sidi Bou Said port.



Earlier statements from Tunisian authorities said that the fire started in a stack of life jackets and was quickly contained, with no injuries and only minor damage. Flotilla organizers said the Portuguese-flagged ship was struck by a drone in an attempt to sabotage the mission.



Also on Wednesday, the flotilla said another of its boats, the British-flagged "Alma," was also attacked by a drone on Tuesday, damaging its top deck. The group said the fire was extinguished and no one was hurt.