Netanyahu ordered drone attacks on Gaza-bound humanitarian aid boats off Tunisia, sources say. Tunisian Authorities say the explosions occurred from inside the boats and there were no drones.
From CBS: “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly approved military operations on two vessels early last month that were part of a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid and pro-Palestinian supporters, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, CBS News has learned.
Two American intelligence officials briefed on the matter told CBS News that Israeli forces on Sept. 8 and 9 launched drones from a submarine and dropped incendiary devices onto the boats that were moored outside the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, causing a fire. The officials spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on national security matters. “
According to the BBC, Israeli authorities have characterized the attempts to sail aid to Gaza as publicity stunts that offered no real humanitarian assistance.
From the BBC: Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) posted footage on Tuesday appearing to show the first boat being hit by an object outside the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said. Tunisian authorities disputed a drone was involved and said an initial inspection indicated the explosion originated inside the vessel. GSF then released footage appearing to show a second boat being hit later over Tuesday night, saying it “sustained fire damage on its top deck”. Tunisian authorities are yet to comment on the second claim.
BBC: There have also been prior allegations of drone attacks on aid ships bound for Gaza; the Freedom Flotilla alleged that its ship The Conscience was struck by a drone in May off the coast of Malta.
You’ll note this occurred in September; the article posted here, dated today re:, the dropping of the drones by Israel onto the Samud Flotilla reports on the results of the investigation . The Tunisian Authorities denied any drones were dropped; they stated a fire occurred at sea on one of the the boats.