The Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led mission to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza, has faced two suspected drone attacks in Tunisian waters this week, drawing international condemnation and diplomatic pressure on Israel.

On Monday, the Portuguese-flagged Family—carrying activists including Greta Thunberg and several European lawmakers—was hit by an incendiary device. A day later, the British-flagged Alma sustained fire damage while docked at Sidi Bou Said. No casualties were reported.

Speaking aboard the flotilla off Tunisia, Thunberg called the mission “a marathon, not a sprint,” praising volunteers who regrouped after their June interception. Abandoning the effort, she said, would mean “losing our humanity.”

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called the incidents a “test for humanity,” warning that proven state responsibility would show “impunity and fear.” Tunisian authorities labelled the attacks “premeditated aggression” and opened an investigation.

In a statement, UN experts urged Israel to halt threats against the flotilla, saying any attempt to block it would violate international law. Italy formally warned Israel to respect the rights of its citizens on board after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani raised the issue with Israel’s Gideon Sa'ar.

Despite the strikes, participants remain resolute. “We are definitely sailing to Gaza—nothing will prevent us,” said Irish activist Tara Reynor O’Grady.

The flotilla—named for the Arabic word meaning “steadfastness”—includes volunteers from 44 countries and aims to deliver symbolic aid to Gaza’s famine-stricken population, mounting the largest maritime challenge to the blockade since the deadly 2010 Mavi Marmara raid.