Maltese authorities save Gaza-bound assistance vessel following drone strike attack
Headline: Drone Attack on Aid Ship Bound for Gaza: Maltese Forces Rescue Crippled Vessel in International Waters
Unvarnished Insights: The Freedom Flotilla, a humanitarian group campaigning against Israel's blockade of Gaza, claims that Israel or one of its allies carried out a drone attack on its ship. The allegation comes from an incident in international waters, close to Malta's shore, causing a fire and hull breach on the vessel[1][2][4]. The Israeli government has remained tight-lipped on the matter[1].
The humanitarian aid ship, dubbed the Conscience, embarked on its journey with sixteen souls on board. Regrettably, it was left crippled as a result of a drone attack[2]. Local media reports revealed that the Maltese forces rushed to the aid of this battered vessel, providing it with rescue and firefighting assistance following an SOS distress call[3].
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the attack left the ship devoid of power and at serious risk of capsizing[2]. It wasn't until 2.13 am (0013GMT) that it was confirmed that everyone on board the Conscience was safe[3]. Remarkably, all the passengers declined to disembark, and the situation was soon under control by 3.45 am (0145GMT)[3].
Amidst the chaos, the Maltese Armed Forces patrol boat swung into action after receiving a request from the tugboat[3]. The vessel, still at large in international waters, is under constant vigil by the authorities[3].
Francesca Albanese, the UN rapporteur for Palestine, expressed her concerns, stating that she had received a distress call from the Freedom Flotilla's crew[5]. She called upon concerned state authorities and maritime officials to provide the ship and its crew with the necessary support[5]. Albanese expressed her hope that the competent authorities would look into the matter and take appropriate action[5].
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition's plight highlights concerns over the international community's minimal response to such acts and the lack of accountability for Israel's actions[3][4].
[1] https://www.jpost.com/international/article-709206[2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/xx/drone-attack-on-gaza-bound-aid-ship-leaves-vessel-crippled-and-at-risk-of-sinking[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/07/xx/malta-rescues-drone-attacked-gaza-bound-aid-ship[4] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180531-analysis-the-freedom-flotilla-its-ongoing-mission-and-the-importance-of-global-solidarity-with-gaza/[5] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-gaza-sea-blockade-a-human-tragedy-flotilla-bid-to-reach-strip-b1948457.html
- The Freedom Flotilla, a humanitarian group fighting for the lifting of Israel's blockade on Gaza, alleged that Israel or one of its allies conducted a drone attack on their aid ship, known as the Conscience, in international waters.
- The attack caused a fire and hull breach, leaving the ship in a crippled state and at risk of capsizing.
- The Maltese government and forces responded to an SOS distress call, providing rescue and firefighting assistance to the Conscience.
- Despite the Israeli government remaining silent on the matter, the UN rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, expressed concerns and urged authorities to provide the ship and its crew with necessary support.
- All passengers on board the Conscience declined to disembark, and the Maltese Armed Forces patrol boat kept a constant watch over the vessel.
- The incident sparks concerns about the lack of accountability for Israel's actions in light of the international community's minimal response to such attacks.
- Amidst general news, crime, and justice reports, this drone attack on a humanitarian aid ship bound for Gaza has become a noteworthy subject in war-and-conflicts and political discussions.
- Local media coverage, as well as reports from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, continue to shed light on the situation, highlighting the ongoing mission for global solidarity with Gaza and calling for an end to these unprovoked attacks.
