Drone Strike Hits Gaza-Bound Vessel Near Malta \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ An aid ship en route to Gaza was reportedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta, igniting a fire and raising concerns over humanitarian efforts amid Israel’s blockade. Activists blame Israel, though evidence remains unverified. The attack comes as Gaza faces catastrophic shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Quick Looks
- Vessel Name: Conscience, part of the Freedom Flotilla
- Location: Struck ~16 miles from Malta in international waters
- Cause: Drone strike suspected; Israel has not commented
- Crew: 12 crew members, 4 civilians—all reported safe
- Cargo: Medical and food aid bound for Gaza
- Fire Damage: Major blaze, generator destroyed, ship immobile
- Flags and Ports: Palau revoked flag, Malta and others threatened seizure
- Activist Response: Codepink and Freedom Flotilla urge international action
- Wider Crisis: Gaza faces food collapse; 52,000+ Palestinians killed
- Historical Parallels: Echoes 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla incident
Deep Look
In the latest escalation over humanitarian access to Gaza, a vessel carrying food and medical aid was struck by suspected drone fire in international waters near Malta late Friday night. The vessel, named Conscience, was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group known for challenging Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip.
According to multiple accounts from activists and video footage posted by the group, two explosions struck the vessel minutes apart, igniting a fire on board and leaving large holes in its deck. The crew scrambled to extinguish the flames without external help for hours after an alleged impersonation blocked their distress call on emergency radio frequencies.
“We feel like right now we’re safe, but we don’t know what Israel is going to do,” said Mecid Bagcivan, a Turkish activist on board.
The Maltese government confirmed the fire, stating no serious injuries occurred and that all 16 individuals aboard refused evacuation. A nearby tugboat responded, but the ship now remains stranded without power, awaiting repairs.
Accusations and Denials Amid Aid Access Crisis
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of carrying out the drone strike, though provided no conclusive proof. In a video posted by the group, loud explosions and a visible fire were captured, while images released by Cypriot authorities show clear damage to the ship’s exterior.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not responded to requests for comment.
Activists on board and support organizations like Codepink claimed that efforts to reach the ship after the blast were blocked by Maltese officials. Only one member from a speedboat convoy managed to board the Conscience to assess the damage and speak with the captain.
“They’re just stuck out there. To get a new flag will take months,” said Tighe Barry of Codepink, noting that Palau had revoked its registration before the strike.
The ship sailed from Tunisia earlier this week and was expected to take on more activists in Malta—possibly including climate icon Greta Thunberg, though she did not board and is reported safe.
Political Backdrop: Gaza’s Collapse and Israel’s Blockade
The attack took place amid what aid agencies describe as a complete collapse of humanitarian access in Gaza. Since March, Israel has halted all imports, including food and medicine, citing pressure on Hamas to release hostages from the October 7, 2023 attacks that killed over 1,200 Israelis and led to the ongoing conflict.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign that has since killed over 52,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants. The UN and other humanitarian organizations warn that Gaza’s population is now on the brink of famine.
On Friday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that key relief operations—including communal kitchens—could shut down within weeks if aid does not resume.
“Aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. Hostages must be released. Civilians must be protected,” the ICRC stated. “Without immediate action, Gaza will descend further into chaos.”
Historical Echoes: 2010 Mavi Marmara Raid Revisited
The Conscience incident draws comparisons to the infamous 2010 Mavi Marmara raid, in which Israeli forces stormed a Turkish ship attempting to break the Gaza blockade. Nine activists were killed in that operation, prompting international outrage and deteriorating diplomatic ties between Israel and Turkey.
Now, as another flotilla faces violent resistance, Turkey has condemned the attack, warning it violates maritime law and threatens regional security.
“This assault threatens freedom of navigation in international waters,” said Oncu Keceli, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
What’s Next for the Conscience and the Flotilla?
With its generator disabled and no nation willing to accept the Conscience into port, the ship’s future remains uncertain. Efforts to secure a new flag could take months, activists say, while humanitarian supplies onboard continue to degrade.
The event is expected to intensify diplomatic pressure on Israel and potentially draw renewed attention to the humanitarian blockade on Gaza—a crisis aid groups say is not only preventable but worsening by the day.
As tensions rise in both the Mediterranean and the halls of the United Nations, the attack on the Conscience may become a pivotal moment in the battle over aid access and civilian protection in one of the world’s most volatile conflicts.
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