As Night Falls off the Coast of Malta, the Freedom Flotilla Warns of a Potential Second Attack on Its Civilian Ship
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) is warning of a potential second attack on its civilian ship, the Conscience, which remains stranded in international waters off the coast of Malta. Earlier, the ship was struck twice by a drone causing a fire and a breach in the hull. Water continues to enter the vessel, and the Maltese Coast Guard is refusing it safe entry.
The volunteers who remain on board were set to deliver humanitarian aid to challenge Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of Palestinians in Gaza. Despite issuing an SOS, the crew has received no critical assistance all day.
“As night begins to fall in Malta, we fear an imminent second attack on the Conscience,” said the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in a statement. “Because of this, we urgently appeal to the Maltese government to protect the vessel, respond to its urgent needs, and allow safe and unhindered passage for our team in Malta to provide support to this humanitarian mission.”
CNN reported that an Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules flew toward Malta hours before the attack occurred. Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft flew at low altitude over eastern Malta for an extended period before returning to Israel. The Israeli military has declined to comment.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was scheduled to join the flotilla, said: “The ship is currently at anchor, as moving it would riskflooding causing it to sink.” Thunberg emphasized, “what is certain is that we human rights activists will continue to do everything in our power to fulfill our responsibility and stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.”
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition calls on the Maltese government to:
- Allow safe and unhindered passage into or out of Maltese waters
- Grant immediate access to Flotilla support teams to provide assistance
- Fulfill its obligations under international maritime law to protect a civilian ship in distress
The Conscience was preparing to confront Israel’s unlawful blockade of Gaza–a blockade which, for 17 years has denied Palestinians access to adequate food, medical care, education, and the fundamental right to freedom of movement. Since October 2023, emboldened by total impunity, Israel has escalated its assault on the Palestinian people, waging a genocidal campaign in which the siege is a central weapon. The Freedom Flotilla stands in defiance of this injustice, affirming the full political and human rights of the Palestinian people, including their Right of Return, and exposing the complicity of governments and corporations in maintaining Israel’s system of apartheid.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition,
Yasemin Acar and Hay Sha Wiÿa