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An activist group sending a flotilla of aid boats to try to reach Gaza — the Global Sumud Flotilla — said a second one of its vessels was attacked by a drone while docked in Tunisia one day after it reported a .
"The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) confirms that on September 9, another — the 'Alma' — was attacked by a drone as it was docked in Tunisian waters," the group said in a statement on Wednesday. "The boat, sailing under the British flag, sustained fire damage on its top deck. The fire has since been extinguished, and all passengers and crew are safe. An investigation is currently underway and when more information is available it will be released immediately."
The group that it said showed the moment of the second attack. The video appeared to show a fireball hitting the deck of the boat from above.
A day earlier, GSF shared a security camera video that appeared to show the first drone strike on another one of its vessels.
"This marks the second such attack in two days. These repeat attacks come during intensified Israeli aggression on Palestinians in Gaza, and are an orchestrated attempt to distract and derail our mission. The Global Sumud Flotilla continues undeterred. Our peaceful voyage to break Israel's illegal siege on Gaza and stand in unwavering solidarity with its people presses forward with determination and resolve," the group said.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who took part in a separate Gaza flotilla that was earlier this year, is among those traveling with the GSF flotilla.
After the first alleged attack, Tunisian officials initially dismissed the allegations. GSF later said Tunisia was investigating.
Tunisia's Ministry of the Interior said in a statement on Wednesday that it was in fact investigating the incidents, and that it considered the second one a deliberate attack.
"The attack which took place yesterday on one of the ships docked at the Port of Sidi Bou Said was a deliberate act," the ministry said. "The Ministry's departments are conducting all necessary investigations and inquiries to uncover the full facts, so that public opinion — not only in Tunisia but also worldwide — will be informed about who planned this attack, who colluded in it, and who carried out its execution."
Israel maintains a blockade of Gaza, including its maritime border in the Mediterranean, so the flotilla would not have permission to dock there.
Israeli forces have previously taking part in activist flotillas to prevent them from breaching its blockade, including in a in 2010 that left at least nine activists dead.
Israel has dismissed the flotillas as publicity stunts, and says its maritime blockade is necessary to prevent weapons and other materials being smuggled into the war-torn Palestinian territory, which has long been ruled by the U.S.- and Israeli-designated terrorist group Hamas.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not responded to TheNews' requests for comment on the matter.
