VALLETTA, Malta – A humanitarian aid ship, the Conscience, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and bound for Gaza, sustained damage and caught fire after an alleged drone attack in international waters near Malta in the early hours of Friday. The FFC, an international group aiming to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, has accused Israel of carrying out the attack, though Israel has not officially commented on the allegation.
The incident occurred just outside Maltese territorial waters, causing damage to the vessel’s front section, a loss of power, and sparking a fire that was later extinguished with assistance from a nearby tugboat, according to Malta’s government and the FFC. Initial reports varied on the number of people aboard, with the FFC initially stating 30, while the Maltese government reported 16 (12 crew, 4 passengers). Conflicting reports also emerged regarding injuries; while Malta’s Armed Forces initially stated no injuries occurred, the FFC and Marine Insight later reported that four people sustained minor injuries like cuts and burns. The ship issued an SOS following the incident.
The vessel, which had departed from Tunisia, was en route to Malta to pick up activists, reportedly including climate activist Greta Thunberg and retired US Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright, before attempting to sail to Gaza with humanitarian supplies. These activists were not aboard during the alleged attack.
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Dispute Over Docking and International Reactions
Following the incident, a standoff ensued between the FFC and Maltese authorities. The FFC claimed Malta was blocking the damaged ship from entering its port for necessary repairs and medical assistance for the injured. However, the Maltese government denied obstructing the mission, stating it offered assistance but needed to ensure national security.
Prime Minister Robert Abela indicated the ship’s captain had initially refused to allow Maltese surveyors and police aboard for inspection. Malta stated it would facilitate repairs once the humanitarian nature of the cargo was verified. The FFC later expressed its commitment to cooperating with Maltese authorities for inspection and repairs, emphasizing the need for a secure environment before the Gaza flotilla vessel could continue its mission. Activists attempting to reach the ship from Malta reported being turned back by the Maltese military.
The attack drew international condemnation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described the assault on the Gaza flotilla ship as “Israeli piracy” and accused Israel of thriving on “blood and chaos.” Hamas also condemned the strike, labelling it “piracy” and “state terrorism” and blaming Israel. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese acknowledged receiving a distress call and urged authorities to support the ship and ascertain the facts.
The FFC states its overall goal is to challenge Israel’s long-standing sea and land blockade of Gaza, which it argues deprives Palestinians of basic rights. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as dire, with aid organizations warning of famine conditions following Israel’s blockade. This incident recalls the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid where Israeli forces boarded an aid ship, resulting in the deaths of ten activists.
Image: Al Jazeera
