A humanitarian aid vessel, the Conscience, was attacked by armed drones while operating in international waters off Malta on 2 May 2024, an incident that has drawn international condemnation and raised serious concerns about the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Details of the Attack
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the ship was carrying 12 crew members and four civilians, including 30 international human rights activists. They were on a mission aimed at delivering much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenging the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel.
Rescue Operation
- The Maltese government reported receiving a mayday call shortly after midnight local time.
- A nearby tugboat responded and launched firefighting operations, and a Maltese patrol vessel was dispatched to the site.
After several hours, all individuals on board were reported safe, although the crew had initially refused to board the tug. This incident has further highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Escalating Conflict
In the wake of the attack, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of violating international law and called for accountability. They noted that the current Israeli blockade—ongoing since 2 March 2024—has precipitated a humanitarian crisis.
The Red Cross has warned that the situation in Gaza is nearing a total collapse. Aid deliveries have been blocked, and military operations have intensified as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has effectively dissolved.
A Dangerous Precedent
This is not the first time the Freedom Flotilla has faced violence; a similar mission in 2010 saw Israeli forces storm the Mavi Marmara, resulting in the death of ten activists.
As tensions continue to rise, the need for urgent humanitarian intervention in Gaza has never been clearer. With over 52,000 casualties since the latest conflict erupted, activists are determined to keep the spotlight on the Israeli blockade and its lethal consequences.