Tunisian officials have rejected claims made by activists aboard a Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla that one of their boats was hit by a drone. The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which aims to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, reported on social media that a drone strike occurred, but no injuries were reported. The incident took place approximately 50 miles from the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said.

An AFP journalist present at the scene noted that a fire erupted on the boat but was quickly extinguished. Tunisian national guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli stated that investigators found no evidence of a drone strike. He indicated that preliminary findings suggested the fire may have originated from the boat's life jackets, possibly due to a cigarette.

The national guard characterized the reports of a drone strike as "completely unfounded." The Global Sumud Flotilla claims to be independent and not linked to any government or political party. Among the participants is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who spoke to pro-Palestinian supporters in Tunisia on Sunday.

Thunberg previously attempted to join a flotilla in June but was blocked by Israel. She was sent back to Sweden and banned from entering Israel for 100 years, along with 11 other activists. In this latest effort, Thunberg is part of what has been described as the largest Gaza flotilla to date, with hundreds of anti-Israel activists participating.

Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting to discuss strategies to address the flotilla, which includes over 200 participants. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir suggested implementing stricter measures as part of a deterrent strategy against future flotillas. This strategy may involve detaining activists under harsh conditions at facilities such as Ktzi’ot and Damon, which would lack amenities like television or radio and involve extended custody.