Overview

• The convoy left Bizerte on Saturday with more than 40 vessels and an estimated 500 to 700 activists from over 40 countries, according to organisers and Anadolu.
• Participants say they aim to break Israel’s naval blockade and deliver supplies to Gaza after weather and security delays in Tunisian ports.
• Tunisia’s interior ministry confirmed a “premeditated aggression” against flotilla vessels and opened an investigation, while disputing organisers’ reports of drone strikes at Sidi Bou Said.
• The flotilla includes high-profile supporters such as Greta Thunberg and French lawmaker Rima Hassan, with Irish activist Caoimhe Butterly providing legal and mental-health support aboard the Shireen.
• The mission follows earlier maritime confrontations, including Israel’s interception of the Madleen in June and reported drone damage to the Conscience in May.