Alleged ‘drone’ incident leaves Gaza flotilla shaken - analysis - Seth J. Frantzman

 

by Seth J. Frantzman

Although the Global Sumud Flotilla has said that “nothing can silence the voices of peace nor the momentum of international solidarity,” it’s clear that the incident has left the group with concerns.

 

A Global Sumud flotilla vessel floats in the waters as Tunisian Maritime National Guard boats conduct an inspection in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, September 9, 2025.

(photo credit: REUTERS/JIHED ABIDELLAOUI)

 

The Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla has been shaken by what its members claim was a drone attack. Although the flotilla members have said that “Nothing can silence the voices of peace nor the momentum of international solidarity,” it’s clear that the incident in the early hours of September 9 has left them with concerns.

Tunisia has denied that a drone struck one of the boats of the flotilla. Video appears to show some type of flaming object striking the 33-m. boat Family, one of the larger vessels in the flotilla.

Flotilla members said that the incident took place at 2 a.m., claiming, at 4 a.m., that their “determination” was still powerful.

The boats arrived off the coast of Tunisia on Saturday and were greeted in the port of Sidi Bou Said by supporters on September 7 and 8. Posts by the group throughout September 8 showed them among supporters.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories arrived to greet the flotilla on September 8. She is known for her anti-Israel views.

A CCTV footage shows a glow from a fire that struck a vessel of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in the Tunisian waters off the coast of Tunisia, September 8, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video. (credit: GLOBAL SUMUD FLOTILLA/HANDOUT via REUTERS)

The flotilla had been expected to continue its journey toward Gaza this week. Members had also anticipated meeting up with dozens of other boats. The flotilla left Barcelona on September 1 with around 20 boats. Several turned back due to heavy winds.

It then anchored off Menorca for two days before making the crossing to Tunisia from September 5 to 7. The flotilla members have been paranoid about drones throughout the trip. When they were off Menorca, they also claimed to be seeing drones.

Previous flotillas and their attempts to reach Gaza

This isn’t the first time activists on a flotilla bound for Gaza have claimed to be attacked by drones. A ship called Conscience was also allegedly attacked off Malta in May, 2025.

That vessel was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The alleged incident derailed the plans of the group in May. In June, another ship called the Madleen tried to get to Gaza but was boarded by the IDF.

In the wake of the alleged drone attack on September 9, the flotilla has remained anchored off the coast of Tunisia. They are near the marina of Sidi Bou Said, a bucolic coastal town north of Tunis.

The area is known for its cafes and art galleries. It is popular with tourists. The flotilla has now been distracted by the claims of the drone attack. The group have held a press conference and sought attention from the incident.

It is not clear how damaged the boat named Family is from the incident. It is one of the larger vessels. It is not a sailboat, it is more like a pleasure craft yacht. There are several other large non-sail vessels in the group, though many of the boats in the flotilla are sailboats. The group is expected to be joined by more vessels coming from Italy. It is not clear if the “drone” incident has derailed these plans or postponed them. 

Seth J. Frantzman

Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-866866

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