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European Parliament member condemns attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship

This handout picture released by Malta Government press office on May 2, 2025 shows a Malta Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) vessel doussing the vessel Conscience (R), after they received a distress call reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters. A group of activists organising an aid boat for Gaza said it was attacked on Friday by Israeli drones in international waters off Malta as they headed towards the Palestinian territory.
This handout picture released by Malta Government press office on May 2, 2025 shows a Malta Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) vessel doussing the vessel Conscience (R), after they received a distress call reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters. A group of activists organising an aid boat for Gaza said it was attacked on Friday by Israeli drones in international waters off Malta as they headed towards the Palestinian territory. "At 00:23 Maltese time, the Conscience, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship came under direct attack in international waters," the group said in a statement. (Photo by Handout / MALTA GOVERNMENT PRESS OFFICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HANDOUT / MALTA GOVERNMENT PRESS OFFICE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - AFP CANNOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OR LOCATION, DATE, AND CONTENT OF THESE IMAGES. /
May 02, 2025 03:29 PM GMT+03:00

Ana Miranda Paz, a member of the European Parliament (EP) and a member of the Palestine Delegation, has condemned the recent attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) vessel, which was targeted while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ship was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta.

Miranda Paz, who was a member of the third flotilla in 2015, made her statement to the Anadolu Agency (AA), calling for accountability and stronger EU action. As part of the EP's Palestine delegation, she expressed strong opposition to the attack.

“We cannot support this impunity,” said Miranda Paz, adding that Israel's actions must not go unchecked. "The European Union must act against Israel's ongoing impunity despite its actions against humanitarian missions."

Calls for EU to take action against Israel's impunity

Miranda Paz urged the European Union to take action, particularly regarding Israel’s continuous impunity in such situations, despite international condemnation.

"The European Union should take action against Israel’s immunity, especially in the face of its actions against humanitarian missions, and work to end such attacks,” Miranda Paz added.

She also stated that the European Union must not continue to support Israel’s unchecked behavior toward humanitarian aid missions.

Hamas and Palestinian groups condemn attack

Palestinian groups, including Hamas, have also condemned the attack, holding Israel responsible for the incident. Hamas issued a statement calling the attack on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship a crime that reflected Israel’s terrorist nature and its disregard for human rights and justice.

"We strongly condemn this crime that reflects the terrorist nature of the occupying Israeli regime, openly challenging humanity and justice," said Hamas in their statement. They further held Israel responsible for the threatened safety of the crew of the ship.

In addition, the Islamic Jihad Movement condemned the attack, describing it as an affront to all human and moral values, and emphasized that Israel’s use of hunger as a weapon in Gaza's blockade further highlighted its violation of international norms.

The Palestinian Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine also condemned the “disgusting attack,” highlighting that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's goal was to deliver aid to Gaza, which had been under a Israeli blockade for over two months.

International pressure and calls for UN intervention

Following the attack, Palestinian groups have called on all nations to condemn the attack on the humanitarian convoy. They have urged the United Nations and the UN Security Council to take immediate action to stop Israel’s violations and bring about justice.

"This attack undermines international decisions and challenges the will of free peoples. We call on the UN to intervene and hold Israel accountable for its crimes,” said a statement from the Islamic Jihad.

Summary of events

The attack occurred at 00:23 local time when drones targeted the Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship in international waters near Malta. The vessel was en route to deliver essential humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian officials, Israel was responsible for the attack, labeling it as piracy and state terrorism.

This incident has further escalated tensions surrounding Israel’s blockade of Gaza and its stance against international efforts to deliver aid to the besieged region.

May 02, 2025 03:47 PM GMT+03:00
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