The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reports that their ship, The Conscience, came under fire off the coast of Malta, with climate activist Greta Thunberg onboard.
Activists Claim Drone Attack on Ship Heading to Gaza
Activists Claim Drone Attack on Ship Heading to Gaza
Activists allege that Israeli drones attacked their humanitarian vessel intended for Gaza in international waters.
On Friday, activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that their ship, The Conscience, was attacked by drones while en route to Gaza in international waters. They accused Israeli military forces of being behind the drone strikes that occurred at 00:23 local time. Following the incident, the crew issued an SOS, alerting nearby vessels; a recording of this distress call was obtained by the BBC.
The Maltese government confirmed the safety of all aboard and stated that they managed to contain the fire that broke out on the ship, which they reported as being brought under control shortly after the attack. Activists stated that The Conscience was on a mission to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted access to essential supplies for nearly two million residents.
The crew of The Conscience included climate activist Greta Thunberg, who had intended to join the voyage to amplify efforts for humanitarian access to Gaza. Thunberg expressed her commitment to continue supporting the demand for a free Palestine and the opening of humanitarian corridors despite the targeted violence against their ship. She stated that human rights activists remain resolute in their mission.
Volunteer Surya McEwen voiced concern over the situation, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the assault on what he described as a civilian vessel engaged in humanitarian efforts. The attack reportedly left the ship’s generator compromised, putting it at risk of sinking. A tugboat was dispatched to assist, but earlier attempts to stabilize the vessel were hindered due to a lack of sufficient electrical support.
As the global community grapples with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the blockade imposed by Israel has sparked international outcry, including denouncements from several European foreign ministers labeling it as “intolerable.” Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have sharply deteriorated over the past months, raising alarms from organizations like the Red Cross and the World Food Programme, who report a looming crisis as food supplies dwindle.
The Israeli military's offensive is in response to a significant attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed numerous lives and led to widespread conflict. Recent reports indicate a devastating toll on the Gazan population, with numbers from health authorities citing over 52,000 casualties since the escalation of hostilities.
This incident underscores the critical call for humanitarian support and the urgent need for intervention to address the dire situation facing civilians in Gaza.
The Maltese government confirmed the safety of all aboard and stated that they managed to contain the fire that broke out on the ship, which they reported as being brought under control shortly after the attack. Activists stated that The Conscience was on a mission to challenge the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has severely restricted access to essential supplies for nearly two million residents.
The crew of The Conscience included climate activist Greta Thunberg, who had intended to join the voyage to amplify efforts for humanitarian access to Gaza. Thunberg expressed her commitment to continue supporting the demand for a free Palestine and the opening of humanitarian corridors despite the targeted violence against their ship. She stated that human rights activists remain resolute in their mission.
Volunteer Surya McEwen voiced concern over the situation, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the assault on what he described as a civilian vessel engaged in humanitarian efforts. The attack reportedly left the ship’s generator compromised, putting it at risk of sinking. A tugboat was dispatched to assist, but earlier attempts to stabilize the vessel were hindered due to a lack of sufficient electrical support.
As the global community grapples with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the blockade imposed by Israel has sparked international outcry, including denouncements from several European foreign ministers labeling it as “intolerable.” Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have sharply deteriorated over the past months, raising alarms from organizations like the Red Cross and the World Food Programme, who report a looming crisis as food supplies dwindle.
The Israeli military's offensive is in response to a significant attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed numerous lives and led to widespread conflict. Recent reports indicate a devastating toll on the Gazan population, with numbers from health authorities citing over 52,000 casualties since the escalation of hostilities.
This incident underscores the critical call for humanitarian support and the urgent need for intervention to address the dire situation facing civilians in Gaza.
