Gaza Aid Boat Under Siege: Activists Report Drone Attack
A group of activists organizing an aid mission to Gaza stated on Friday that their vessel was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta. The activists accused Israel of carrying out the strike as they were en route to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian territory.
In response to a distress call from the ship, the Maltese government confirmed that it provided immediate assistance and ensured the safety of all crew members, without addressing the reported attack.
Details of the Attack
The activist group reported that at precisely 00:23 Maltese time, the ‘Conscience’—a vessel affiliated with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition—was directly attacked by armed drones. They asserted that the drones targeted the unarmed civilian vessel on two separate occasions, igniting a fire and causing a significant breach in the hull.
In their statement, they demanded accountability from Israeli ambassadors for what they termed violations of international law, further claiming that the attack on their vessel constituted an assault on civilians at sea.
Response from the Maltese Authorities
After the distress signal was received, Malta’s Vessel Traffic Services quickly dispatched a tugboat to assist the crew. The Maltese authorities reported that upon arrival, the tugboat engaged in firefighting operations to control the blaze.
By 01:28, they confirmed that the fire had been brought under control, ensuring the safety of the crew although specific details regarding the alleged drone attack were not reiterated.
International Implications and Previous Incidents
The incident has been framed by activists as part of a broader effort to challenge what they view as Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza and to provide essential aid to those in need. The group stressed the urgency of their mission in light of escalating humanitarian crises.
Historically, aid missions to Gaza have been fraught with peril, such as the infamous Freedom Flotilla in 2010, where Israeli forces stormed the ‘Mavi Marmara,’ resulting in fatalities and injuries. This history adds an unsettling backdrop to the recent drone attack that raises concerns over international law and the protection of humanitarian missions.
Escalating Tensions in Gaza
Tensions have been mounting in the region as Israel continues to block aid deliveries to Gaza while resuming aggressive military operations. Since March 2, the blockade has restricted all humanitarian assistance to Gaza, intensifying the already critical situation for its residents.
The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that the humanitarian response in Gaza is nearing total collapse due to the two months of Israeli restrictions, underscoring the urgency of aid missions like the one under siege.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Since the outbreak of renewed conflict following a major Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, the death toll has climbed dramatically. Official figures indicate that over 52,418 lives have been lost, predominantly civilians, as violence continues to ravage the region.
In the wake of the recent drone attack, both Hamas and the Palestine Liberation Organization condemned the escalation, with Hamas branding it a blatant disregard for humanity and calling for international attention to the plight of Gazans.
