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A Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) remains anchored in international waters off Malta after being struck by drones on May 2. Activists and international figures call for the vessel to be repaired, granted a flag, and allowed to complete its mission.
The Conscience, a civilian aid vessel that departed from Tunisia, was reportedly attacked at approximately 12:23 a.m. local time. According to FFC Press Coordinator Yasemin Acar, contact with the ship was lost for several hours following the incident, with fire engulfing parts of the vessel.
Acar reported that two drones had circled the ship several hours before the strike, during which the vessel’s flag was taken down. The ship had intended to pick up passengers from over 20 countries in Malta before continuing toward Gaza.
"Our mission is humanitarian. We will continue until the genocide ends and aid is allowed into Gaza," Acar said.
She added that although there is no confirmed evidence linking the drones to Israel, flight tracking data suggested that UAVs operating in the area may have originated from Israeli territory.
Former U.S. Army officer and diplomat Ann Wright said activists were hopeful Malta would provide a new flag for the vessel, whose original flag was reportedly removed just hours before the strike. "This is our request to the Maltese government," Wright said, expressing confidence that Malta would support the humanitarian initiative.
Thiago Avila, another activist, confirmed that Malta has offered to assist with the ship’s repairs if the cargo is confirmed to be humanitarian. "If we receive guarantees that aid to Gaza won’t be blocked, we will accept the offer," he stated, adding that the mission is entirely peaceful and lawful under international standards.
The ship remains offshore, under surveillance, as activists gather evidence for potential legal proceedings.
Ismail Songur, head of the Mavi Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association, said the crew had refused to evacuate despite the blaze, fearing that doing so would forfeit control of the vessel. "This attack was not only against us but against all humanity," he said, noting that 11 Turkish nationals remain onboard.
Environmental activist Greta Thunberg also joined calls for international solidarity, urging citizens worldwide to act through protests, outreach, and organizing efforts to pressure for aid access to Gaza. "Everyone must rise, step out of their comfort zones, and join the global fight for Palestine," she said.
Prime Minister Robert Abela of Malta stated that his government would take responsibility for the ship’s repair only after verifying the nature of the cargo.
"Once it’s confirmed the cargo is humanitarian, we are prepared to assist with repairs," he said, according to Times of Malta.
"That’s another fact that must be established, as the crew is yet to provide a list of what is on board the vessel. The moment we confirm it’s humanitarian aid for Gaza, we will take care of the repairs," he added.
Abela also noted that the Conscience lacked a flag and insurance, complicating port access.
He reiterated that the vessel would only be allowed into Maltese waters under controlled state conditions and called for transparency from the ship’s operators.
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