Gaza – Saba:
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which aims to break the siege on Gaza, condemned the "Israeli" attack on the civilian ship M/V Conchias – Global Conscience* at 00:23 (Malta time) in international waters off the coast of Malta.
In a statement reported by Palestine newspaper on Friday, the Freedom Flotilla stated that the "unarmed civilian ship was targeted by armed drones, causing a fire and a breach in its hull." The coalition clarified that the vessel was on a peaceful humanitarian mission to Gaza, seeking to break the blockade and deliver life-saving aid.
The statement noted that volunteers from over 21 countries, including prominent human rights figures, were participating in the mission.
"We immediately sent a distress signal after the attack, but the rescue vessel that arrived from Cyprus failed to provide the urgent electrical support needed," the coalition added. It held the "Israeli" occupation fully responsible for targeting the ship’s generator, putting the vessel at risk of sinking.
The Freedom Flotilla reported that armed drones continue to circle the ship, and communication has been partially cut off since the attack. It urged the Maltese government to act immediately and fulfill its legal obligations to ensure the safety of all aboard.
The coalition also mentioned that the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Rome informed them of a rescue tugboat being dispatched, but "no confirmation of its arrival has been received yet."
The statement emphasized that since March 2, 2025, "Israel" has blocked aid trucks from entering Gaza, leading to the deliberate starvation of over two million civilians. It stressed that Gaza’s population requires at least 600 aid trucks daily to meet basic needs.
The Freedom Flotilla called on the international community to condemn this blatant attack on a humanitarian aid ship in international waters. It further demanded an end to all forms of political, financial, and military support for the occupying state, urging the lifting of the blockade, occupation, and apartheid imposed on the Palestinian people.
| more of (International) |