Boat carrying Greta Thunberg to Gaza hit by suspected drone strike, crew says VIDEO

A boat carrying Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and other campaigners to Gaza was set ablaze after being struck by a suspected drone off the coast of North Africa, the crew has claimed.

The vessel, known as the Family Boat, is part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a group of around 20 boats carrying food and medical supplies in a bid to break Israel’s aid blockade on Gaza, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The flotilla departed Barcelona last week and aims to reach the enclave by mid-September.

Footage shared by GSF on social media appeared to show the moment the Portuguese-flagged boat was hit while sailing in Tunisian waters. In a statement later shared by Ms Thunberg, GSF confirmed the strike.

“All six passengers and crew are safe,” the statement said, noting that the attack caused fire damage to the main deck and below-deck storage areas. An investigation into the incident is underway.

The organisation described the strike as an act of aggression intended to intimidate and derail its mission, but vowed to press ahead.

“Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” GSF said.

By Khagan Isayev