In a dramatic escalation of tensions surrounding the Gaza blockade, activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that their humanitarian aid ship, The Conscience, was struck by drones in international waters off the coast of Malta early Friday morning.
The incident occurred at 00:23 local time, and an SOS signal was immediately issued. According to a recording obtained by the BBC, the ship’s captain confirmed drone strikes and reported a fire onboard during a distress call picked up by a nearby oil tanker.
Freedom Flotilla Blames Israel
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an NGO focused on breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza, directly implied Israeli responsibility, calling the incident a “violation of international law” and urging governments to summon Israeli ambassadors for answers. The Israeli military said it is “looking into the reports” but has not confirmed involvement.
The Maltese government confirmed that all 16 people onboard—12 crew members and four activists—were safe, and that the fire was brought under control by 01:28. However, the NGO claims that up to 30 activists had been onboard and that the drone strike specifically targeted the ship’s generator, cutting off power and nearly sinking the vessel.
Greta Thunberg Among Intended Passengers
Climate activist Greta Thunberg was scheduled to board the vessel once it departed for Gaza. Speaking from Valetta, Malta, she condemned the attack and reiterated her support for Palestinian civilians.
“This was an unprovoked attack on a civilian vessel in international waters, attempting a humanitarian mission. We will not be silenced. We demand a free Palestine and the opening of a humanitarian corridor,”
— Greta Thunberg
Humanitarian Emergency in Gaza
The Freedom Flotilla intended to challenge what they describe as Israel’s “illegal siege and blockade” of Gaza. Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing military response, Israel has shut all crossings into Gaza, preventing food, fuel, and medicine from entering. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 52,418 people have been killed during the conflict.
Humanitarian organisations, including the World Food Programme and the Red Cross, have warned that aid operations in Gaza are on the verge of collapse. Food supplies are critically low, and makeshift community kitchens say their reserves could run out within days.
Ship’s Fate Uncertain
According to volunteer Surya McEwen, communication with The Conscience was lost shortly after the attack. Though there were no major injuries, the ship remains disabled and is still at the site of the attack due to risk of water ingress if moved. A tugboat sent by Malta extinguished the fire, and a Cypriot vessel responded to the SOS but did not provide needed electrical support.
Global Reactions
The incident has amplified international scrutiny of the Gaza blockade. Last month, foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany condemned Israel’s restrictions on aid as “intolerable.”
As geopolitical tensions rise and humanitarian conditions worsen in Gaza, activists like those on The Conscience remain determined to open aid corridors—despite increasing risks.
Stay informed: Gaza kitchens warn food will run out in days | UN: Humanitarian response in Gaza on brink of collapse
