On Sunday, an international NGO accused Malta of obstructing access to a humanitarian aid ship bound for Gaza, which it claims was attacked by two drones two days earlier. Malta refuted this allegation, stating that the crew had declined assistance.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the NGO in question, attributed the incident to Israel, which has imposed a blockade on Gaza amid its conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants. Israel has not yet responded to inquiries for comment.
According to the NGO, the ship named Conscience, operated by the coalition, sustained damage to its bow and experienced a loss of power after being struck just outside Maltese territorial waters in the southern Mediterranean. The vessel was poised to embark with approximately 30 peace activists from various countries to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza.
The NGO reported that volunteers from 13 nations attempting to reach the ship from Malta on Friday and Saturday were intercepted by the Maltese military, which compelled them to return to Malta under the threat of arrest. ‘The humanitarian ship Conscience has been stranded in international waters since it was attacked by two drones in the early hours of May 2,’ the coalition stated.
They also claimed that Maltese authorities had barred the ship from entering port to conduct repairs and assist four individuals on board who reportedly sustained cuts and burns from the drone strike, marking the first report of injuries.
Prime Minister Robert Abela asserted that Malta was still offering support to the ship, but emphasized the need to ensure Malta’s security. He noted that the ship’s captain continued to refuse entry to a surveyor and Maltese police. Abela stated that once it was confirmed that the ship’s cargo was exclusively humanitarian, Malta would facilitate the necessary repairs for it to proceed to Gaza.
Malta has consistently supported Palestinian causes and recently admitted several injured children from Gaza for medical care.
In 2010, another NGO vessel on a comparable mission to Gaza was intercepted and boarded by Israeli forces, resulting in the deaths of nine activists. Other vessels on similar missions have also been intercepted without fatalities.
Following the incident near Malta, Hamas condemned Israel, labeling the actions as ‘piracy’ and ‘state terrorism.’ The Maltese authorities reported that they provided assistance to the ship and its crew in the early morning hours after the attack was reported, with a nearby tugboat aiding in extinguishing fires.
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