A peace flotilla headed to Gaza with activists including Greta Thunberg on board claims it has been hit by a drone.

The Global Sumud Flotilla for Gaza said one of its main boats was struck in Tunisian waters, though all six passengers and crew were safe.

The Portuguese-flagged boat, carrying the steering committee, sustained fire damage to its main deck and below-deck storage, said the flotilla in a statement on Tuesday.

But Tunisia’s National Guard has denied the reports.

A spokesman told Mosaique FM radio that reports of a drone attack on the flotilla “have no basis in truth”, adding an initial inspection indicated the explosion originated inside the vessel.

The flotilla is an international initiative seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza via civilian boats supported by delegations from 44 nations.

After the strike, dozens of people gathered outside Tunisia’s Sidi Bou Said port, where the flotilla’s boats were docked, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine”, a Reuters witness said.

Israel has imposed a naval blockade on the coastal enclave since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, saying it aims to stop weapons from reaching the militant group.

The blockade has remained through conflicts including the current war, which began when Hamas attacked south Israel in October 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies showed.

Israel’s subsequent military assault against Hamas has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, Gaza’s health ministry said, while a global hunger monitor said part of the enclave is suffering from famine.

Israel sealed off Gaza by land in early March, letting in no supplies for three months, arguing that Hamas was diverting aid.

The Global Sumud Flotilla also said an investigation into the drone attack was under way and its results would be released once available.

“Acts of aggression aimed at intimidating and derailing our mission will not deter us. Our peaceful mission to break the siege on Gaza and stand in solidarity with its people continues with determination and resolve,” the Global Sumud Flotilla said.

-with AAP