The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) reported on Tuesday that a drone struck one of its main ships while it was anchored in Tunisian waters. The organization confirmed, “All crew members are safe and uninjured.” According to GSF, the Portuguese-flagged vessel, The Family, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage areas. The flotilla is part of an international effort to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Delegations from 44 countries back this mission, which aims to challenge the blockade on the Palestinian territory.

I was deeply saddened to receive information from our Denizli Member of Parliament, Sema Hanım, and our Head of Youth and Sports Policies, Mustafa Çakmakçı, that a drone bomb attack was carried out on the lead boat (Family) in the Tunisian port where the Global Sumud Flotilla… pic.twitter.com/gG45uupOhu

— Ahmet Davutoğlu (@A_Davutoglu_eng) September 9, 2025

Tunisia Denies Drone Presence

After the attack, Tunisia’s national guard stated it detected no drone activity in the region. However, GSF strongly accused Israel. A flotilla member said, “There is no other authority that would do such an attack, such a crime, except the Israeli authorities.” The member added, “They have been committing genocide for the past 22 months, and they are willing to attack a peaceful, non-violent flotilla.”

Steering Committee Members Aboard

German human rights activist Yasemin Acar confirmed that The Family serves as the GSF flagship. The ship carries the flotilla’s steering committee, which includes:

• Yasemin Acar, German human rights activist

• Greta Thunberg, Swedish climate activist

• Thiago Ávila, Brazilian socio-environmentalist

Acar also revealed that all crew members previously served on another vessel named Madleen.

Netanyahu Issues Evacuation Order

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised tensions further by urging Gaza City residents to evacuate immediately.

He posted on X, “This is a final warning to the Hamas murderers and rapists in Gaza and in luxury hotels abroad: Release the hostages and put down your weapons or Gaza will be destroyed and you will be annihilated.”

Israel Steps Up Gaza Strikes

On the same day, Israeli forces struck a fourth high-rise building in Gaza City within four days. AFP footage captured the moment the Al-Ruya tower collapsed after being hit. Israel has been intensifying its bombardment to prepare for a large-scale ground operation to seize Gaza City. This escalation continues despite repeated calls from Western nations and aid groups to protect civilians.

Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Risks

The attack on the GSF aid ship marks a serious escalation, directly threatening humanitarian missions. While Tunisia denies drone activity, GSF insists Israel carried out the strike. At the same time, Netanyahu’s evacuation warning and Israel’s growing offensive indicate that the conflict in Gaza is entering a dangerous new phase.