Drone Attack on Aid Ship Heading to Gaza: What Organizers Are Reporting

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Recently, a vessel named Conscience, carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked by drones while in international waters near Malta. A fire broke out on the ship, but the crew managed to control it, and no injuries were reported. The Conscience had 12 crew members and four civilians on board, all of whom chose to remain on the ship despite the danger.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group behind the aid shipment, blamed Israel for the attack. They did not provide evidence but shared videos showing explosions and a fire on the ship. The Israeli army has not commented on the situation.

When filming from aboard the Conscience, large holes were visible on the deck, surrounded by thick smoke. The footage revealed that the vessel was struck twice about 14 miles from Malta’s port. This incident occurs amidst ongoing tension, as Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza, cutting off vital supplies like food and medicine since early March. This blockade has contributed to what many consider a severe humanitarian crisis.

Since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, around 1,200 people have died, most of them civilians. Hamas took 251 hostages; currently, 59 are still held, with 24 of them believed to be alive. In retaliation, Israeli strikes have led to over 52,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Historically, this isn’t the first attempt to deliver aid to Gaza. In 2010, Israeli forces raided a humanitarian flotilla, killing nine activists on board the Mavi Marmara.

Charlie Andreasson, a key member of the Freedom Flotilla, stated he spoke to people onboard Conscience, confirming two explosions occurred. Reports indicated the attack damaged the ship’s generator, risking further complications.

The Conscience had set sail from the Tunisian port of Bizerte earlier in the week and was attacked shortly after midnight on Friday. It was scheduled to be joined by a group of volunteers, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, who ultimately did not board.

Aid organizations are increasingly alarmed about the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that if aid doesn’t resume soon, essential programs, including food kitchens, may have to shut down. They emphasized a crucial need for aid to enter Gaza and urged the protection of civilians as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

“This situation cannot continue,” the ICRC asserted. “Without immediate steps, Gaza will see further chaos beyond what humanitarian efforts can address.”

For more information on ongoing coverage of this conflict, visit AP News.

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