Aussies on Gaza Relief Boat Remain 'Determined' Despite Reported Drone Strikes

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A group of Australians heading towards Gaza remain committed to their humanitarian “mission,” despite claims that two ships were targeted by drones on consecutive days.

Passengers and crew aboard the British-flagged Alma, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), were unharmed following an alleged incident off the Tunisian coast, according to a statement from organizers on Wednesday. The ship’s damage was confined to the top deck, prompting an investigation.

This incident followed another claim by the GSF that the Portuguese-flagged “Family boat” was similarly targeted by a drone while stationed near the port of Sidi Bou Said, without injuries reported.

After the latest incident, Tunisia’s interior ministry announced an investigation into what they referred to as “premeditated aggression.” However, initial skepticism had been expressed by authorities regarding the first claim, as Tunisian national guard spokesman Houcem Eddine Jebabli stated “no drones have been detected”.

During the second alleged attack, Isla Lamont, a 24-year-old from northern NSW, was on night watch aboard the Alma.

Juliet Lamont, Isla’s mother and also a member of the flotilla, shared her fears with SBS News upon hearing the news.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to continue what our governments have not,” Julie Lamont said, emphasizing their commitment and willingness to face potential risks.

Julie further stated, “We carry no weapons, only supplies like baby food and medicine, and there’s no intention of violence,” reinforcing the peaceful nature of their mission.

Several vessels, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, off the coast of Tunisia. Source: AAP, EPA / Mohamed Messara

SBS News understand there are 10 Australians involved in the GSF, which describes itself as an independent group not linked to any government or political party. High-profile climate activist Greta Thunberg is part of the mission, which aims to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to Gaza, parts of which are suffering from famine, according to the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Famine Review Committee. Israel has dismissed the findings as false and biased.

The blockade has remained in place through the current war, which began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas — the political and military group that rules Gaza — attacked southern Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel’s subsequent military assault against Hamas has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health ministry says, and has plunged the enclave into a deep humanitarian crisis.

Israel sealed off Gaza by land in early March, letting in no supplies for three months, leading to the widespread shortage of food. It accused Hamas of stealing aid for its own fighters or to sell to finance its operations, an accusation Hamas denies.

The European Commission, as well as an internal US government analysis, has also previously indicated that there is no evidence of systematic theft of humanitarian supplies by Hamas.

About 50 boats are part of the flotilla, and Juliet’s other daughter, 26-year-old Luca, is on another of the vessels.

“We as a family just thought that we had to do something. And so there are flotillas that are going to continue to try and create a humanitarian corridor and show the world and put pressure on the governments to stop this genocide,” Juliet Lamont said.

“It might be foolhardy, but it feels like the right and moral thing to do.”

Israel has in the past strongly denied that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide and says they are justified as self-defence.

The situation is part of a larger context, involving a case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague where allegations of genocide are directed against Israel, which denies such claims, asserting its efforts against Hamas operating within Palestinian civilian areas.

A young woman stands next to a woman holding a black T-shirt.

Juliet Lamont’s daughter Luca (left) with climate activist Greta Thunberg. They are all part of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Credit: Supplied

Another Australian activist, Abubakir Rafiq was on board the boat that was hit in the first alleged attack.

He said he is “safe and fine”.

“It’s been an exhausting past two days … but nothing is going to stop us, nothing is going to slow us down,” he said in a video on his Instagram account.

“We will continue our mission; we will reach the shore of Gaza.”

Tony La Piccirella, an Italian citizen also on board “the Family”, said people on board the flotilla have taken risks.

“Participants in this journey accept the inherent risks driven by solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause, knowing that simply living in Palestinian territories involves greater danger,” he told SBS Italian.

The flotilla arrived in Tunisia from Spain on Sunday. The flotilla was to resume its voyage on Wednesday, but was delayed yet again due to weather conditions.

Saif Abukeshek, a spokesperson for the GSF, blamed Israel for the first alleged attack, saying there is “no other authority that would do such … a crime”.

SBS News contacted the Israel Defense Forces for comment.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and trade said it was aware of both alleged drone attacks.

“We stand ready to offer consular assistance to any Australian citizen, should it be requested,” a DFAT spokesperson said in a statement.

And in July, another boat carrying 21 activists, including two Australians — Tan Safi and Robert Martin — was intercepted by Israeli forces. They were detained and deported.