Drones Attack Humanitarian Ship in International Waters, Activists Claim Israel Responsible

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A vessel carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, named Conscience, was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters off Malta early Friday, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the mission.

The attack occurred at 00:23 Maltese time, as the Conscience was en route to Gaza. The group stated that armed drones struck the vessel twice, igniting a fire and causing significant damage to the hull. The strike appeared to target the ship’s generator, leading to a loss of power and raising fears that the vessel could sink.

Images shared on social media by the Coalition depicted a substantial fire on board, although there has been no independent confirmation of the claim that drones caused the attacks. The Maltese government reported that all 12 crew members and four civilian passengers were safe and had refused to abandon the ship in a distress situation.

Activists from 21 countries were aboard the ship on a mission to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has severely affected the humanitarian situation in the region. In a statement, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition demanded accountability for what they called violations of international law, alleging that the attack was deliberate.

Greta Thunberg, the well-known climate activist, was scheduled to board the Conscience in Malta but confirmed she was safe and had not been on the ship during the attack. “I was part of the group who was supposed to board that boat today to continue the voyage towards Gaza,” Thunberg said.

The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the incident. Israel justifies its blockade of Gaza, claiming it is necessary to pressure the militant group Hamas, which began military operations against Israel on October 7, 2023. This conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has stressed that if aid deliveries do not resume immediately, they will not have access to necessary food, medicine, and life-saving supplies for their programs in Gaza. The ICRC warned that many common kitchens supplying meals to those without options could soon cease operation.

Charlie Andreasson, a long-time activist with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, stated that the attack occurred approximately 16 miles from Malta. He noted that photos showed considerable damage to the side of the ship and confirmed that the crew members faced minor injuries while battling the fire.

The incident highlights a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid organizations report shortages of essential supplies. Humanitarian workers in Gaza face immense challenges, and if action is not taken soon, they fear the situation will deteriorate further.