Gaza Activist Ship Allegedly Targeted by Drones in International Waters near Malta

Activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have reported that their ship, The Conscience, was attacked by drones while in international waters off the coast of Malta. The incident occurred at 00:23 local time, prompting the activists to send a distress signal. Their mission aimed to challenge what they describe as Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza. While the Maltese government confirmed that a fire on the ship was contained and no casualties occurred, the NGO has pointed fingers at Israel, demanding accountability for what they allege to be violations of international law. In light of these developments, questions arise about the legality and ethics of such military actions in a heavily politicized context.

The Maltese government is currently monitoring the situation, although discrepancies exist regarding the number of people on board—official reports state 16, but the coalition claims there were 30 activists. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition released video evidence of the fire triggered by the drone attacks, which reportedly disabled the ship’s generator and put it at risk of sinking. After sending out an SOS, a vessel from Cyprus responded, but activists argue it could not provide the necessary electrical support.

The backdrop of this incident is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Israeli military has resumed operations following a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, resulting in a high civilian death toll. As the conflict deepens, incidents like the drone attack on The Conscience only intensify international scrutiny of the region’s volatile situation and the actions of state actors involved.

As international reactions unfold, the situation remains critical for the activists aboard as well as for the broader discourse surrounding humanitarian aid and military engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.