CLAIMS that Greta Thunberg’s Gaza-bound flotilla has been hit by a drone “have no basis in truth”.
Tunisian authorities have hit back at the activist’s allegations, in which she has insisted her boat has come under attack.
EPAGreta Thunberg has claimed her Gaza-bound flotilla was hit by a drone[/caption]
In a dramatic video posted by fellow activist Yasemin Acar, she said: “The Family boat has been officially attacked – a drone came right above it, released a bomb, and it exploded, and the boat was on fire”.
“Everyone on that boat is ok. The fire is out,” she added.
The video posted to social media shows the aftermath of the fire.
Houcem Eddine Jebabli, a spokesperson from the Tunisian national guard, said: “No drones have been detected”.
“According to preliminary findings, a fire broke out in the life jackets on board,” he added.
The claims were further dismissed as “completely unfounded” and had “no basis in truth” according to a statement posted to the national guard’s Facebook page.
Despite Tunisian claims, Francesca Albanese – the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories – said: “We would not be surprised if it was Israel”.
“We do not know who carried out the attack,” she said.
“If confirmed [to be Israel], it is an attack against Tunisian sovereignty,” she added.
Thunberg is part of a controversial convoy of around 350 activists and aid workers sailing to Gaza.
The group described their journey as a “peaceful mission”, aiming to deliver supplies to Palestinians.
However, overnight reports have emerged that one of the vessels was attacked “by a drone”.
The dubbed “Family boat” flying under a Portuguese flag and carrying members of the flotilla’s Steering Committee, including Greta, caught fire off the North African coast.
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