According to the NGO, two drone strikes off Maltese territorial waters early Friday forced damage to the Conscience, a humanitarian aid ship run by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC). Citing its continuous blockade and military operations against Gaza, the FFC has charged Israel with launching the assault. Intended to provide food and medical supplies to the beleaguered enclave, the ship was headed from Tunisia.
Malta Offers Repair Assistance
Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta said Sunday that the ship is expected to be fixed once it verifies it only carries humanitarian supplies. Malta first denied the ship docking privileges after the crew reportedly rejected an onboard inspection by a surveyor.
The FFC said later clarified its stance is currently negotiating with Maltese authorities and now welcomes a surveyor as part of an initiative to permit safe, temporary docking and repairs. Malta said, pending cargo verification, that help could be offered at sea.
Greta Thunberg Among Those Set to Join
Originally in Malta, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and roughly 30 other peace campaigners were scheduled to board the ship before to its departure for Gaza. Especially because of parallels to a 2010 flotilla event in which Israeli troops murdered nine activists during a comparable mission, the circumstances have attracted much attention.
Backdrop of Conflict
With more than 51,000 people dead from Israel’s resumed military operation, the ship’s mission comes amidst worsening humanitary conditions in Gaza. Two months ago, Israel stopped Gaza humanitarian supplies. Aid agencies cautioned that basic supplies, medicine, and food were badly lacking.
Hamas has condemned the drone assault near Malta as “piracy” and “state terrorism” in a statement.
