Gaza freedom flotilla's ship under drone attack in Mediterranean

In the early hours of Friday, May 2, 2025, a humanitarian aid ship, Conscience, operated by the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition, reportedly came under a drone attack while sailing in international waters off the coast of Malta. The vessel was carrying approximately 30 international activists and was on a mission to deliver aid to Gaza, challenging the ongoing Israeli blockade. Following the attack, the crew sent out an SOS signal amidst claims that the ship was on fire and at risk of sinking due to a hole in the hull. Witness reports state that the drone attack occurred at around 00:23 local time and was targeted at the ship's generators, leaving it without power. The ship began to take on water, prompting urgent responses from nearby authorities. The Maltese government confirmed that a tugboat was dispatched to the scene, successfully bringing the fire under control by 01:28 local time, while all crew members were confirmed safe by 02:13. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the blockade imposed by Israel have drawn heightened scrutiny from humanitarian organizations and global activists. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition advocates for the rights of Palestinians and aims to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by the blockade that limits the flow of essential goods and aid into the region. The coalition's mission involves taking non-violent direct actions to challenge these circumstances. The situation underscores the complexities of maritime operations in conflict zones, particularly the delicate balance between humanitarian efforts and military engagements. It has led to increased calls for accountability regarding naval encounters in international waters, particularly from factions advocating for Palestinian rights. While the coalition refrained from explicitly accusing any party of the attack at the time, the allegations of a drone strike are significant amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Gaza. The incident has prompted the NGO to call for the summoning of Israeli ambassadors to respond to concerns about international law violations. The Israeli military stated it was looking into the incident but had yet to provide detailed comments as of the reports. This event further complicates the humanitarian landscape in the region, where tensions have escalated since the onset of military operations aimed at dismantling Hamas in response to prior hostilities. The impact of such incidents on maritime humanitarian missions is profound, raising questions about the safety of activists and the logistics of delivering aid in areas affected by conflict and military action.