**Activists Report Drone Strike on Humanitarian Ship Heading to Gaza**
In a recent incident, activists with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have claimed that their ship, named The Conscience, was attacked by drones in international waters while en route to Gaza. The attack reportedly occurred at around 00:23 local time, just off the coast of Malta. Following the incident, the ship sent out an SOS signal, indicating an urgent need for assistance.
The distress call was captured by a crew member on a nearby oil tanker, which the BBC has obtained. In the recording, the captain of the ship can be heard reporting multiple drone strikes and a fire on board, raising alarms about the safety of those on the vessel. Fortunately, the Maltese government has confirmed that all individuals aboard are “confirmed safe,” and the fire was managed overnight.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had embarked on this mission with the intention of sailing to Gaza, bringing attention to what they describe as Israel’s illegal siege and blockade of the region. Notably, climate activist Greta Thunberg was among the prominent figures expected to join the voyage, reflecting the coalition’s commitment to humanitarian action.
According to reports from the coalition, the ship was transporting not just activists but a wider message aimed at challenging the blockade that has persisted for two months, severely impacting approximately two million Palestinians in Gaza. The group expressed outrage over what they consider a violation of international law and demanded accountability from the Israeli government. The Israeli military, however, has stated that it is investigating the events surrounding the attack.
Organizers of the flotilla had been operating under a veil of secrecy to prevent potential sabotage, strongly suppressing media coverage ahead of their planned departure. Following the incident, Surya McEwen, a volunteer aboard, reported losing contact with the ship and noted that although there were damages—including a fire and hull compromise—there were no significant injuries reported. “It’s a full-on situation for them but they’re recovering,” he mentioned, characterizing the drone strike as an “unprovoked attack on a civilian vessel in international waters.”
In response to these developments, Thunberg expressed her commitment to continue advocating for humanitarian corridors, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the dire situation in Gaza. She revealed that the ship remains anchored at the site of the attack, as moving it would exacerbate the flooding issue caused by the hull damage. The minors were composed of both crew members and activists, with some reports indicating there were discrepancies regarding the total number aboard.
Visual evidence has emerged from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition illustrating the aftermath of the attack, showcasing a fire that seemed to target crucial ship components. Subsequently, a Maltese tugboat was deployed to manage the fire, with officials stating that it was under control by approximately 01:28 local time. Despite the ship being outside territorial waters, the safety of the crew was confirmed by 02:13, although they declined evacuation by the tugboat.
International responses to the blockade have escalated in severity. In the past weeks, figures such as foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany characterized Israel’s actions as “intolerable,” as humanitarian pressures mounted. The coalition against the blockade signifies a growing urgency as humanitarian organizations, including the World Food Programme, report dwindling supplies, leading to catastrophic predictions regarding food access in Gaza. The situation has devolved into one poised for a “total collapse” according to the Red Cross, raising humanitarian alarms globally.
This episode sheds light on the growing tension and urgency surrounding humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected areas, revealing not just a regional crisis but a significant humanitarian catastrophe that international communities are grappling with. The ongoing military campaign launched by Israel following the earlier unprecedented cross-border attacks has exacerbated these conditions, underlining the need for focused discussions and actions aimed at alleviating the profound suffering experienced by civilians in Gaza.
