HUMANITARIAN AID BOUND FOR GAZA ATTACKED BY DRONES IN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

A humanitarian vessel carrying aid destined for Gaza came under drone attack while sailing in international waters approximately 16 miles off the coast of Malta on Friday, according to the organization coordinating the shipment.

The attack on the vessel named "Conscience" triggered a fire onboard, though Maltese authorities reported it was successfully contained. Despite the incident, the 12 crew members and four civilians aboard declined evacuation assistance when a tugboat responded to their distress call.

"All individuals onboard are safe with no injuries reported," a Maltese government spokesperson confirmed.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the aid mission, attributed the attack to Israel, though they did not provide conclusive evidence for this claim. Video footage shared by the coalition captured an explosion and subsequent fire engulfing part of the vessel.

Israeli military officials did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.

This attack occurs against the backdrop of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel has maintained a complete blockade on imports, including food and medicine, since early March. Israeli authorities have characterized the blockade as leverage to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas following the October 7, 2023 attack.

The Gaza conflict began when Hamas militants launched an assault on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people—predominantly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. Of these, 59 remain in captivity, with 24 believed to be alive.

Israel's military response has resulted in over 52,000 Palestinian fatalities according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian casualties and combatants. The extensive bombing campaign and ground operations have destroyed large portions of Gaza and displaced the majority of its 2.3 million residents.

The incident evokes memories of a 2010 confrontation when Israeli forces boarded the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara during another Gaza aid mission, resulting in nine deaths.

Maritime law experts note that attacks on humanitarian vessels in international waters raise serious legal questions. "Vessels on humanitarian missions are protected under international maritime law," said Dr. Elena Stavros, professor of international law at Oxford University. "Any deliberate attack would constitute a grave violation of these protections."

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated that despite the attack, they remain committed to their mission of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.

"This is a civilian vessel carrying medical supplies and food to a population facing catastrophic humanitarian conditions," said coalition spokesperson Sarah Ahmed. "Attacking a clearly marked humanitarian ship represents a dangerous escalation."

The Maltese Maritime Authority has launched an investigation into the incident, while European Union officials have called for restraint and respect for international waters.

The "Conscience" is part of a flotilla of vessels organized by international activists attempting to challenge what they describe as an illegal blockade of Gaza, which has been under varying degrees of Israeli and Egyptian restrictions since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.