The Conscience, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) ship carrying human rights volunteers and humanitarian aid to Gaza came under direct attack by armed drones in international waters on May 2.
According to the FFC, volunteers from more than 21 countries travelled to Malta to board the mission to Gaza, including prominent figures.
On the morning of their scheduled departure, armed drones attacked the front of an unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and a substantial hull breach. The last communication indicated the drones were still circling the ship.
The ship, located in international waters just off the coast of Malta, issued an SOS distress signal immediately following the attack. A vessel from Southern Cypress was dispatched but is not providing the critical electrical support needed.
The drone strike appears to have deliberately targeted the ship’s generator, leaving the crew without power and placing the vessel at risk of sinking.
On board are international human rights activists on a nonviolent humanitarian mission to challenge Israel’s illegal and deadly siege of Gaza, and to deliver desperately needed, life-saving aid.
Israel has barred all aid trucks from entering Gaza, since March 2, deliberately starving more than 2 million civilians in full view of the international community. Humanitarian experts estimate the population in Gaza requires at least 600 aid trucks each day to meet even the most basic needs, yet not a single truck has been allowed in for two months.
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Rome advised the FFC that a tugboat was sent out and is on the scene. However communications with the vessel were destroyed in the attack and the FFC is unable to confirm this.
Under international maritime law and conventions Malta is obliged to act and ensure the safety of a civilian ship in distress within its proximity. The FFC says the lack of response and information about the rescue efforts breaches international customary law.
The FFC is calling for Israeli ambassadors to be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of its civilian vessel in international waters.
It is demanding that Malta immediately respond to its obligation and ensure the safety of all on board the vessel and calling on the international community to condemn this aggression against an unarmed humanitarian aid vessel and join in demanding the Maltese authorities immediately act.
More generally, the FFC is calling on all states to end political, financial and military support for Israel’s illegal siege, blockade, occupation, and apartheid.