A vessel named Conscience, carrying aid intended for Gaza, was reportedly attacked by drones while situated in international waters off Malta on Friday. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict over delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza, which has been ravaged by nearly 19 months of war. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the shipment, accused Israel of launching the attack, although they did not provide concrete evidence to support this claim. A video shared by the group included audible explosions, while another displayed a raging fire on the vessel.
The Maltese government confirmed that a nearby tugboat responded to a distress call from the Conscience, which had ignited a fire that the crew reportedly managed to control. The vessel, which had 12 crew members and four civilians on board, did not evacuate, as authorities indicated that all individuals aboard were safe and no serious injuries occurred.
One activist aboard, Mecid Bagcivan from Turkey, recounted the chaotic moment when two explosions occurred only two minutes apart. Initially believing there had been a collision, the crew quickly recognized they were under attack as they saw the fire. In a distressing twist, someone impersonating the crew on the radio claimed that help was not needed, further complicating the situation as those on board struggled to manage the fire independently.
Video footage taken after the explosions revealed significant damage with two large holes in the ship's deck, enveloped in thick smoke. The crew later reported that the >Conscience was trying to safely return to Maltese waters, fearing additional attacks. Charlie Andreasson, an experienced member of the Freedom Flotilla, noted that the ship's generator had been severely compromised and would require repairs before it could sail again.
The location of these repairs remains uncertain, as authorities in Malta, Greece, and Turkey have threatened to confiscate the vessel should it attempt to dock. Furthermore, the nation of Palau had revoked the ship's flag even before the attack, complicating its legal situation. The Conscience was carrying essential supplies like food and medicine destined for Gaza.
The Israeli blockade on Gaza, a measure Israel asserts is aimed at pressuring Hamas to release hostages, has severely limited necessary imports into the territory, resulting in a dire humanitarian crisis. Following the violent events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, Israel retaliated with operations leading to massive Palestinian casualties and destroyed infrastructure.
On the day the Conscience was struck, it was approximately 16 miles from Malta's coast. Historical precedents exist, such as the 2010 raid on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara by Israeli forces, which left nine dead. In recent times, humanitarian efforts in Gaza are reported to be on the verge of collapse. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) expressed that unless aid deliveries resume immediately, key programs—including common kitchens that supply meals to impoverished residents—could cease operations in the coming weeks.
As the World watches, Turkey condemned the recent attack on the vessel and suggested that those responsible would be held accountable. The Turkish Foreign Ministry emphasized that such assaults threaten maritime security and navigation in international waters.
While volunteers had traveled to Malta to join the Conscience on its mission to Gaza, they were met with hurdles; according to reports, climate activist Greta Thunberg was scheduled to participate but ultimately did not board the ship. Activists continue to voice alarm over the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, reiterating the need for unrestricted aid access and civilian protection amidst ongoing hostilities.
