Gaza Aid Ship Targeted by Drones in International Waters off Malta

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition revealed that their aid ship, The Conscience, was struck by drones shortly after midnight local time as it sailed in international waters, prompting an urgent SOS call. The group intended to break the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza. While Maltese authorities confirmed that a fire onboard was swiftly managed and stated there were no reported casualties among the crew of 12 and activists onboard, the NGO claimed that there were at least 30 activists aboard. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has accused Israel of orchestrating the drone attack, calling for diplomatic accountability from Israeli representatives regarding breaches of international law.

Following the attack, the ship reportedly lost power and was left perilously close to sinking. The Israeli military is currently investigating the incident, which has drawn heightened scrutiny given the historical context of Israel’s blockade on Gaza and recent escalations of violence in the region. The Coalition is actively campaigning to end the blockade, which has caused dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza amid ongoing military operations following a devastating attack on October 7 that left thousands dead.

In response to their distress signal, a vessel from Cyprus was dispatched, but it was unable to offer the necessary power support that the damaged ship critically required. The continued military aggression following the blockade has led to an overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with significant loss of life reported during the current conflict.