TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A vessel transporting aid to Gaza was reportedly attacked by drones on Friday while in international waters near Malta, according to the group coordinating the shipment. This incident marks another escalation in the ongoing efforts to provide support to the Palestinian territories, which have been ravaged by nearly 19 months of conflict.
A tugboat nearby responded to a distress signal from the Conscience, which authorities stated caught fire but was subsequently contained. The ship had 12 crew members and four civilians onboard, as confirmed by the Maltese government, who reported that those aboard opted to remain on the vessel. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has accused Israel of targeting its ship, although it did not provide proof of the allegation or evidence that drones caused the fire. A video shared by the coalition captured an explosion, while another video depicted raging flames aboard the ship.
The Israeli military has not commented on the incident. Since early March, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, halting all imports, including food and medicine, exacerbating what is now considered the worst humanitarian crisis in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.
Stranded in International Waters
Footage from onboard the Conscience showed significant damage with at least two large holes in the deck surrounded by thick smoke. The person filming reported that the ship had just sustained two hits and was aflame approximately 14 miles from Malta. The footage was provided by Codepink, a grassroots movement focused on peace and social justice.
While the Conscience is not taking on water, its generator has been severely damaged and requires repairs before it can proceed, according to Charlie Andreasson, a member of the Freedom Flotilla for over ten years. Some crew members sustained minor injuries while extinguishing the flames.
Two Explosions and Ongoing Concerns
Israel defends the blockade as a means to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken during the attack on October 7, which initiated the current conflict. Following that attack, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, Hamas has retained 59 hostages.
On Friday, the Conscience was reportedly struck about 16 miles from Malta. Andreasson stated that individuals onboard reported two explosions leading to the fire. Photographic evidence from Cypriot authorities showcased damage to the ship’s hull. The vessel’s crew is reportedly confined to international waters, as authorities in Malta, Greece, and Turkey threatened confiscation should the ship attempt to dock.
The Conscience set sail from Tunisia with essential medical and food supplies destined for Gaza. According to reports, climate activist Greta Thunberg had planned to be involved but ultimately did not board and is safe. The attack occurred amid escalating warnings from aid organizations about the looming collapse of humanitarian responses in Gaza.
The International Committee of the Red Cross cautioned that without immediate resumption of aid deliveries, vital access to food, medicine, and other life-saving supplies would falter. They emphasized the necessity for aid to enter Gaza, the release of hostages, and protection for civilians, outlining that without swift action, the humanitarian situation could devolve into unmanageable chaos.
