Conflicting accounts over boat fire
Fresh controversy has erupted after video surfaced appearing to show activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla firing a flare that fell back onto their own vessel – undermining claims that Israel attacked the boat with a drone.
The footage, shared on X by journalist Emmanuel Yakoby, shows two men on board the “Family Boat” launching a pyrotechnic into the night sky while docked in Tunisia. Moments later, the device drops back onto the deck, sparking flames.
Watch the video here: x.com/eyakoby/status/1965382893171364020?s=46.
Flotilla’s earlier claims
Earlier this week, the Global Sumud Flotilla – a pro-Palestinian mission that includes environmental activist Greta Thunberg – said the vessel was hit by a drone strike in Sidi Bou Said port, causing a fire. Some organisers accused Israel of orchestrating the attack, though this has not been independently verified.
Tunisian denial
Tunisian authorities swiftly dismissed the drone allegation. In a statement, officials said: “Reports of a drone hitting a boat at its Sidi Bou Said port have no basis in truth, and a fire broke out on the vessel itself.” They added that no unmanned aircraft were detected in the area.
Debate continues
The new footage appears to support Tunisia’s version of events, showing the fire beginning immediately after the flare fell back onto the boat. However, flotilla organisers maintain that they were attacked, insisting that Israel was responsible for sabotage.
