A civilian vessel, Conscience, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla’s humanitarian mission, was struck by drone attacks early Friday in international waters off Malta, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported.

The ship, carrying aid to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, sustained severe damage, including a breached hull and a fire, causing it to begin sinking.

The attack occurred as the Conscience prepared to depart Malta for Gaza, where over two million Palestinians face acute shortages of food, medicine, and supplies due to the blockade. Yasemin Acar, the coalition’s press officer, told CNN that two drone strikes hit the ship’s front, targeting its generator and leaving it without power. Video evidence showed flames and explosions onboard.

The vessel carried 30 human rights activists from 21 countries. A distress signal was answered by a small boat from Cyprus, but it couldn’t provide sufficient support. No injuries were reported, though the situation remains dire. A second group of 40 volunteers, including Greta Thunberg, was set to board when the attack occurred.

The coalition condemned the assault as an attack on an unarmed civilian ship engaged in peaceful aid work, implicating Israel due to the drone use and Gaza-bound target. They criticized Malta’s slow response, calling it a violation of maritime law, and demanded immediate rescue efforts, condemnation of the attack, and an end to support for Israel’s blockade.

The incident highlights escalating tensions over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, worsened by Israel’s ban on aid trucks since March 2025. Experts warn Gaza needs 600 trucks daily to avert famine and disease, a need unmet for over two months.

The coalition urged global action to protect the Conscience crew, hold Israeli diplomats accountable, and end the blockade. As calls grow for safeguarding humanitarian missions, the attack underscores the dangers faced by those challenging Gaza’s isolation. (ILKHA)