Incident Overview

On Friday, a vessel belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying humanitarian aid and approximately 30 activists, was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters off the coast of Malta. The ship sustained serious damage, including a breached hull, but authorities confirmed there were no casualties among those on board.

Maltese Government Response

The Maltese government reported that a nearby tugboat responded to assist with firefighting efforts after the vessel’s hull was breached. By early Friday morning, the fire was under control and all people aboard had been confirmed safe, though discrepancies in reported passenger numbers raised questions.

Previous Incidents and Context

This incident is not isolated; the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has a history of attempts to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Previous missions have resulted in confrontations, including a significant incident in 2010 that led to casualties among activists.

Responses to inquiries regarding this drone attack from the Israeli Defense Forces were not immediately given, and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition did not assign blame to any specific entity.

International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, expressed her concern via social media, urging maritime authorities to provide support to the vessel and its crew. Albanese emphasized the critical nature of the supplies intended for the Gaza population, who are facing severe shortages amid ongoing conflict.

The blockade has faced condemnation from various aid organizations, which stress that humanitarian supplies, including food and medicine, are urgently needed due to extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure following recent hostilities. The situation remains dire, with tens of thousands reported dead due to the ongoing conflict.