Malta Aids Damaged Ship Conscience After Alleged Drone Attack
The Conscience ship was carrying 16 people, including 12 crew members and four civilian passengers, and was headed to Malta before departing for Gaza. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of aid ships and the impact of Israel's blockade on the people of Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's efforts to deliver aid and challenge the blockade continue, with the support of climate activist Greta Thunberg and other peace activists.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's ship, Conscience, was damaged by two drones off the coast of Malta on Friday, and is now in talks with the Maltese government to allow it to enter their waters for repairs. The ship, carrying aid to Gaza, was hit while waiting to pick up peace activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, and the NGO blames Israel for the attack.
The incident occurred in international waters off the coast of Malta, with the ship catching fire and sending out an SOS after the alleged attack. The Maltese government confirmed that everyone on board was safe and the fire was brought under control, but the ship remains in international waters. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had planned to sail to Gaza to challenge Israel's "illegal siege and blockade" and demand a humanitarian corridor.
The Israeli military is investigating the incident, while the group is calling for ambassadors to be summoned to answer for the alleged attack. The United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories has also expressed concern and called on authorities to support the ship and its crew. Malta has offered to assist with repairs, but the NGO wants to ensure the vessel is safe from further attacks while being repaired and able to sail out again.
The incident has sparked outrage, with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition calling for Israel to be held accountable for the alleged attack. The ship's mission to deliver aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, where aid groups warn people are struggling to survive due to Israel's two-month blockade, is still ongoing, and the NGO is determined to complete its journey despite the setback.