Activists associated with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition alleged that their vessel, The Conscience, was attacked by drones in international waters, prompting safety concerns for those onboard, including noted climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Activists Allegedly Targeted as Ship Heads for Gaza
Activists Allegedly Targeted as Ship Heads for Gaza
Activists report their humanitarian ship bound for Gaza was struck by drones, leading to accusations against Israel.
The incident sparked international controversy regarding Israel's military actions as humanitarian efforts seek to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, preparing to sail to Gaza, reported that their ship, The Conscience, was allegedly attacked by drones at approximately 00:23 local time off the coast of Malta. The coalition suggests the attack may have been orchestrated by Israel, which has been accused of interfering with attempts to bring aid to Gaza. Following the incident, an SOS signal was issued by the ship, and a recording of the distress call was obtained by the BBC from a nearby oil tanker.
The captain of The Conscience affirmed reports of drone strikes and a subsequent fire onboard. According to the Maltese government, all individuals aboard were confirmed safe and the fire was under control by the morning hours after the attack.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has asserted their mission to challenge what they describe as Israel's "illegal siege and blockade" of Gaza, with plans for Thunberg and others to join the voyage. In a statement, Thunberg condemned the attack on the civilian vessel, stating that it was unprovoked and hindered humanitarian efforts in an already critical situation for Palestinians.
Details from the group confirmed that approximately 12 crew members and four activists were on board, while the coalition claimed that as many as 30 activists were present. Video footage posted by the coalition showed flames on the vessel, which reportedly targeted the generator, leaving The Conscience without power and at risk of sinking.
While Maltese officials dispatched a tugboat to the scene to help extinguish the flames, the ship remained outside of territorial waters. Cyprus also responded to the SOS signal, although the activists stated that the assistance provided was insufficient for their electrical needs.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's call coincides with a surge in international criticism regarding Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has persisted for months, leading to severe humanitarian needs within the territory. Humanitarian reports indicate that food supplies are critically low, with the Red Cross warning of an impending humanitarian disaster.
The continuing conflict was intensified following a cross-border attack on October 7, which led to extensive casualties and ongoing military operations by Israel against Hamas, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 52,000 deaths attributed to the sustained violence.
Activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, preparing to sail to Gaza, reported that their ship, The Conscience, was allegedly attacked by drones at approximately 00:23 local time off the coast of Malta. The coalition suggests the attack may have been orchestrated by Israel, which has been accused of interfering with attempts to bring aid to Gaza. Following the incident, an SOS signal was issued by the ship, and a recording of the distress call was obtained by the BBC from a nearby oil tanker.
The captain of The Conscience affirmed reports of drone strikes and a subsequent fire onboard. According to the Maltese government, all individuals aboard were confirmed safe and the fire was under control by the morning hours after the attack.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has asserted their mission to challenge what they describe as Israel's "illegal siege and blockade" of Gaza, with plans for Thunberg and others to join the voyage. In a statement, Thunberg condemned the attack on the civilian vessel, stating that it was unprovoked and hindered humanitarian efforts in an already critical situation for Palestinians.
Details from the group confirmed that approximately 12 crew members and four activists were on board, while the coalition claimed that as many as 30 activists were present. Video footage posted by the coalition showed flames on the vessel, which reportedly targeted the generator, leaving The Conscience without power and at risk of sinking.
While Maltese officials dispatched a tugboat to the scene to help extinguish the flames, the ship remained outside of territorial waters. Cyprus also responded to the SOS signal, although the activists stated that the assistance provided was insufficient for their electrical needs.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's call coincides with a surge in international criticism regarding Israel's blockade of Gaza, which has persisted for months, leading to severe humanitarian needs within the territory. Humanitarian reports indicate that food supplies are critically low, with the Red Cross warning of an impending humanitarian disaster.
The continuing conflict was intensified following a cross-border attack on October 7, which led to extensive casualties and ongoing military operations by Israel against Hamas, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 52,000 deaths attributed to the sustained violence.
