Tunisia: The Ministry of the Interior denounces a premeditated Israeli aggression against the flotilla for Gaza

The Ministry of the Interior described as “premeditated aggression” the attack on Tuesday against a ship in the Global Sumud Flatillamoored off Sidi Bou Saïd, near Tunis. This international flotilla carries humanitarian aid intended for Gaza. The authorities claim to investigate to identify the authors, their accomplices and the executors, and promise to keep national and international public opinion informed.

The organizers of the convoy, who denounce “drone attacks” having targeted two boats on Monday and Tuesday evening, openly point Israel, whom they consider the only actor with an interest in blocking this mission. Tunisia had initially denied any aggression, before revising its position. The Soumoud flotilla, which aims to break the blockade of Gaza, must take the sea this Thursday from the marina of Sidi Bou Saïd to Bizerte to finalize its technical and organizational preparations. Its effective departure to Gaza will depend on the improvement of weather and navigation in the Mediterranean. This is the second postponement of this departure, initially scheduled for September 7, which will bring together participants from Spain, Tunisia, Italy and Greece.

For many activists, this attack illustrates an Israeli policy of harassment at sea intended to suffocate the Gaza Strip. By even hindering the civil relief convoys, Israel is accused of extending a qualified blockade of illegal by the UN and of transforming the Mediterranean into an undocumented area where solidarity with the Palestinians is systematically repressed.