Activists planning to send an aid ship to Gaza have reported that their vessel was struck by drones while sailing in international waters off the coast of Malta, suggesting that the attack may have been orchestrated by Israel.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition revealed that their ship, known as The Conscience, came under attack at 00:23 local time on Friday. Following the incident, the crew sent out an SOS signal for assistance. The organization stated that the ship was en route to Gaza with the aim of challenging what they describe as Israel’s illegal siege and blockade.
Fire onboard and emergency response
According to the Maltese government, a fire that broke out on the ship was brought under control overnight, and fortunately, no casualties have been reported. Initially, it was indicated that there were 12 crew members and four activists aboard, although the NGO claimed that the total number of activists aboard was actually 30.
“We demand that Israeli ambassadors be summoned to answer for the violation of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of our civilian vessel,”
the NGO stated, highlighting the urgency of their call for accountability. Meanwhile, the Israeli military has acknowledged the reports of the incident and is currently investigating the matter.
Details of the attack and its implications
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition shared a video that displayed flames on their vessel, although they did not confirm if any injuries occurred. The group indicated that the attack seemed to target the ship’s generator, resulting in a loss of power and leaving the vessel at risk of sinking.
The incident occurred 17 nautical miles (approximately 31.5 kilometers) east of Malta. In response to the SOS signal, Cyprus sent a vessel to assist, but the coalition expressed concern that it was not providing the critical electrical support needed to stabilize the situation.
This coalition is actively campaigning to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which was intensified two months ago when Israel closed all crossings into the territory, halting the entry of essential goods such as food, fuel, and medicines. This blockade was accompanied by a renewed military offensive, following a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.
The Israeli military’s operations are a direct response to an unprecedented cross-border attack that occurred on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the hostage-taking of 251 individuals. According to reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of at least 52,418 individuals in the region.