A parliamentary figure has called for the Portuguese government to condemn an attack on a ship flying the Portuguese flag, carrying Portuguese citizens, in Tunisian waters. Jorge Pinto remarked that “A ship on a humanitarian mission, not transporting weapons or terrorists but water, food, and medicine, should be firmly condemned.”
Pinto considers it “highly probable” that the incident originated from Israel, suggesting that, if proven, the Portuguese government should “increase the tone of condemnation focusing on the Israeli government.” The political party Livre further anticipates the Portuguese executive will summon Israel’s ambassador in Lisbon for an explanation.
Pinto expects this event will “awaken the European Union and other European countries to the necessary condemnation and firmness towards the Israeli government,” which he accuses of crossing new red lines concerning international law.
He expressed concern about recent Israeli actions, including reported attacks in Qatar purportedly targeting a Hamas group member. Pinto questioned the possibility of future attacks on Lisbon, cautioning the consequences of perceived threats by the Israeli government.
Regarding comments by presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes, who described the situation as a private initiative without diplomatic cover, Pinto criticized the stance as “washing hands of the current scenario” and questioned the candidate’s suitability for the role.
Livre has submitted a motion in parliament to condemn the “attack on the Family ship,” part of the Global Flotilla Sumud, expressing solidarity with all involved in the humanitarian mission.
Mariana Mortágua, coordinator of Bloco de Esquerda (BE), has called for an international community response to the purported attack on the Portuguese-flagged ship in the humanitarian flotilla.
Mortágua detailed the incident, noting that the ship was hit at night after the crew’s shift change, following prior missions where drone attacks or sabotage occurred. During the night, a drone appeared, launching an incendiary device, igniting a controllable fire by the ship’s crew and passengers using extinguishers, despite the severe risks involved.
In Beijing, the Portuguese Prime Minister stated that the government is gathering information concerning the incident.
The affected ship, the ‘Family Boat,’ flying the Portuguese flag, was participating in a humanitarian action supporting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and included Portuguese humanitarian participants and the organization’s Steering Committee members.
The Tunisian Coast Guard released a statement asserting “there was no hostile act or external attack.”
