Attack on the Conscience ship: Humanitarian aid for Gaza remains off the coast of Malta

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition Coalition accused Malta on Sunday of hindered access to a humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Conscience, which is managed by the Coalition, suffered damage to the front, including the loss of power, when it was hit just outside the territorial waters of Malta in the southern Mediterranean, the NGO said.

He waited to board about 30 Peace activists from around the world before trying to sail to Gaza, at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, to deliver food and medicines.

Malta’s army prevented access to activists

The NGO said volunteers from 13 countries trying to reach the ship from Malta on Friday and were intercepted by the Malta army on Saturday, which forced them to return to Malta under the threat of arrest.

« The Humanitarian Ship Conscience has been blocked in international waters since it was attacked by two unmanned aircraft early on the morning of May 2, » the coalition said in a statement.

Breaking: at 00:23 Maltese Time, A #Freedomflotilla Ship was subjected to a drone attack. The front of the vessel was targeted twice, resulting in a fire and a break in the hull. The Ship is Currently Located in International Waters Near #Malta. An #Sos Distress Signal Was Sent. pic.twitter.com/j6oeqafuob

– Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@Gazafflotilla) May 2, 2025

« The ship, the crew and the volunteers who board it face increasing threats and refuse critical help. After extinguishing the fires on the ship and treated the injured, the captain began to carefully head to Malta’s territorial waters in the early hours of May 2, informing the Maltese authorities of the fear of the crew for a new attack. Despite the SOS emergency calls and the immediate communication of the Conscience with the Maltese authorities, Malta has prevented the ship from crossing and continues to refuse to enter its waters or permission to bring the bombed ship to the port, « he continues in a statement.

Injuries of 4 people

« Four people on the conscience were slightly injured by the 2nd May attack, including burns and cuts. The Maltese authorities have not given any explanation for their refusal to allow the ship to tie in their ports or to block the volunteers who wanted to provide help, ”the Freedom Fleet Alliance adds.

« The international community and humanitarian organizations must demand from the Maltese authorities to allow immediate safe passage to conscience in Maltese water and provide all necessary help and protection to the ship and to all occupants. According to international law, as reflected in recent rulings by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, states should not prevent humanitarian aid and have to facilitate the relief of civilians in Gaza, where possible, « the announcement concludes.

Malta’s side

Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Ambela said Malta continues to provide help to the ship, but that Malta’s safety should be preserved. He said that the captain of the ship continued to refuse to allow an inspector and Malta police to enter the ship.

As soon as it is ascertained that the ship’s cargo was exclusively humanitarian, Malta will facilitate repairs so that it can continue its journey to Gaza, Ambela said.

The time

Israel banned humanitarian aid two months ago, shortly before breaking the ceasefire and re -launched the Gaza war, which has destroyed the Palestinian enclave and killed more than 50,000 people.

The UN World Food Program and UNRWA, the Palestinian refugee service, said they had exhausted all the food aid reserves.

Pictures of hunger -skeletal children make the world tour.

« The help, and the lives of civilians, should never be a negotiating paper, » UN humanitarian leader Tom Fletcher warned last Thursday.

« Blocking the aid is starving the civilians. Leaves them without basic medical support. It deprives them of dignity and hope. It imposes a harsh collective punishment. The blocking of help kills. «