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A FLOTILLA CARRYING humanitarian aid and pro-Palestinian activists to Gaza has finally set sail from Tunisia today, following recent attacks on two vessels.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which has been repeatedly delayed, includes around 36 ships and 500 to 700 activists from more than 40 countries, transporting an estimated 300 tons of food, water, and medicine.
Two of the flotilla’s boats were reportedly struck by incendiary devices dropped from drones while anchored off Sidi Bou Said port last week.
At least five Irish participants were aboard the targeted vessels, including Belfast activist Fra Hughes, Limerick campaigner Tara Reynor O’Grady, and Cork comedian and activist Tadhg Hickey.
No injuries were reported, but both boats sustained damage.
Hickey, aboard the British-flagged vessel Alma, described the attacks as “targeted” and said alarms went off just as the device hit the deck.
“It felt like it was aimed at a crew member on deck,” he told The Journal.
Despite the incidents, Hickey said the flotilla remained determined to continue: “We’re very well trained… these attacks are just distractions.”
Tunisian authorities initially denied drone activity, but later local security sources called the incidents “premeditated attacks” and deployed military officers equipped with anti-drone technology to protect the vessels.
“The flotilla is non-violent,” Hickey added.
“What we’re bringing is humanitarian aid – baby formula, food. We’re travelling in international waters. Our protection is international law. We’re lawful humanitarians.”
The flotilla, which also includes boats departing from Spain, Italy, and Egypt, is expected to take seven to eight days to reach Gaza.
Activists stress that the mission is peaceful despite the heightened security risks.
European Parliament member Rima Hassan, who, like Thunberg, was detained aboard the Madleen sailboat during an attempt to reach Gaza in June, said she feared further attacks.
“We are preparing for different scenarios,” she said, noting the most prominent figures had been split between the two largest coordinating boats “to balance things out and avoid concentrating all the visible personalities on a single vessel”.
The flotilla is aiming to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN has officially declared a man-made famine as a result of Israeli blockades.
425 people, including 145 children, have died of malnutrition in the region since October 2023.
Genocide scholars, several UN and EU officials and a number of aid organisations have said that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have also both said that Israel’s actions constitute genocide.
Sinn Féin Senator Chris Andrews, on board the Spectre, is among the Irish participants.
This marks his fourth Gaza-bound flotilla, including the 2011 MV Saoirse mission, during which he was detained by Israeli authorities.
Andrews called the Israeli siege of Gaza “a blatant attempt at genocide, using hunger and deprivation as weapons of war” and described the flotilla as “entirely non-violent.”
From the Gaza flotilla, well done to Rovers 🍀⚽️🇮🇪 @JoannaByrneDrog pic.twitter.com/5yqLeriPNO
— Senator Chris Andrews #stopthegenocide (@chrisandrews64) September 12, 2025
He said the mission seeks to deliver aid and establish a humanitarian corridor, urging the Irish government to secure guarantees for safe passage for participants.
Other Irish politicians travelling with the flotilla include People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Sinn Féin TD Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh.
Irish author Naoise Dolan, who had planned to join the flotilla, confirmed that her boat was cancelled but emphasised ongoing support from land.
“Solidarity is not about personal glory,” Nolan said.
“Dozens of boats will still sail from all the ports combined, and le cúnamh Dé will break the siege. I’ll be on a future boat if that’s where I’m most effective. The work continues until Palestine is free.”
Additional reporting from AFP
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