American Channel CBS News Reveals Israeli Prime Minister's Involvement in Attacks on Humanitarian Flotilla
The American news channel CBS News revealed on Friday, October 3, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently the subject of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Gaza, personally authorized attacks on two ships from the Global Sumud Flotilla in September. According to American intelligence officials cited by CBS News, drones launched from a military submarine targeted ships anchored off the port of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, on September 8 and 9, 2025. The drones allegedly dropped incendiary substances, causing a fire on several humanitarian vessels.
Background on the Global Sumud Flotilla
The flotilla, initially composed of nearly 45 ships, was carrying medical supplies, food, and infant formula intended for the civilian population of Gaza. These ships were intercepted before reaching the territorial waters of the Palestinian enclave, which has been subject to a blockade imposed by the Israeli entity for several years.
Consequences of the Attack
According to a statement made by the flotilla's organizers on Friday, all 42 remaining ships at sea have been captured, following the seizure of the last vessel, the "Marinet", by the Israeli navy. The attack led to the arrest of several hundred pro-Palestinian activists, sparking widespread criticism within the international community. Among the arrested passengers are 25 Tunisian nationals, alongside citizens of over 40 nationalities. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan were also part of the humanitarian mission.
International Reaction
In response to these events, support demonstrations have been organized in Tunisia, including a sit-in in front of the US embassy in Tunis. Political parties, NGOs, and associations have urged the Tunisian authorities to intervene urgently to secure the release of detained nationals.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since October 7, 2023, the military aggression carried out by the Israeli entity against Gaza has caused over 66,000 deaths and 169,000 injuries, mostly among women and children, as well as 457 deaths due to starvation, according to data relayed by humanitarian organizations.
