**The Freedom Flotilla's ship, The Conscience, was reportedly struck by drones while preparing to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, escalating accusations against Israel and highlighting the region's ongoing crisis.**
**Activists Claim Drone Strike Targeted Humanitarian Ship Heading to Gaza**
**Activists Claim Drone Strike Targeted Humanitarian Ship Heading to Gaza**
**Allegations arise as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's vessel suffers an attack, raising international tensions.**
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has reported that its ship, The Conscience, was attacked by drones early on Friday in international waters off Malta, leading to fears of sabotage connected to its humanitarian mission to Gaza. The incident occurred at 00:23 local time, triggering an SOS signal immediately after the attack, which the crew recorded and shared with the media. The captain can be heard on the distress call outlining the situation, including drone strikes and a fire onboard.
Fortunately, the Maltese authorities confirmed that all individuals aboard were safe, and the fire was extinguished overnight. The Coalition, which also had climate activist Greta Thunberg slated to join the voyage, condemned the alleged attack, attributing responsibility to Israeli forces for what they described as a violation of international law regarding the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Thunberg, speaking from Valetta, expressed her dismay over the attack, emphasizing the need to maintain humanitarian corridors for the besieged Gaza population. She noted that the ship was still at the location of the assault, which had compromised its power supply and hull integrity.
Surya McEwen, a volunteer, described the event as an unprovoked attack on a vessel undertaking a peaceful mission. He affirmed that, despite the difficulties, the crew and activists were regrouping.
The Maltese government reported that 12 crew members and four activists were originally on board, although the Freedom Flotilla stated that 30 activists were present. Images shared by the Coalition depicted flames on the ship, reportedly targeting its generator, putting its safety in jeopardy.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and by 01:28 local time, they had the situation under control. An SOS response from Cyprus was noted, although they lacked the necessary resources to provide electrical support. The Conscience had departed from Tunisia and was about 12-14 nautical miles from Malta.
The mission aimed to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has gained increased international scrutiny and condemnation. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly since Israel restricted all goods entering the area following a deadly military offensive that began two months ago. Recent estimates indicated that over 52,000 lives have been lost in Gaza during the ongoing conflict, as humanitarian efforts face unprecedented challenges.
Fortunately, the Maltese authorities confirmed that all individuals aboard were safe, and the fire was extinguished overnight. The Coalition, which also had climate activist Greta Thunberg slated to join the voyage, condemned the alleged attack, attributing responsibility to Israeli forces for what they described as a violation of international law regarding the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Thunberg, speaking from Valetta, expressed her dismay over the attack, emphasizing the need to maintain humanitarian corridors for the besieged Gaza population. She noted that the ship was still at the location of the assault, which had compromised its power supply and hull integrity.
Surya McEwen, a volunteer, described the event as an unprovoked attack on a vessel undertaking a peaceful mission. He affirmed that, despite the difficulties, the crew and activists were regrouping.
The Maltese government reported that 12 crew members and four activists were originally on board, although the Freedom Flotilla stated that 30 activists were present. Images shared by the Coalition depicted flames on the ship, reportedly targeting its generator, putting its safety in jeopardy.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and by 01:28 local time, they had the situation under control. An SOS response from Cyprus was noted, although they lacked the necessary resources to provide electrical support. The Conscience had departed from Tunisia and was about 12-14 nautical miles from Malta.
The mission aimed to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has gained increased international scrutiny and condemnation. Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have deteriorated significantly since Israel restricted all goods entering the area following a deadly military offensive that began two months ago. Recent estimates indicated that over 52,000 lives have been lost in Gaza during the ongoing conflict, as humanitarian efforts face unprecedented challenges.
