An aid vessel belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was reportedly attacked by unidentified drones early Friday morning while navigating international waters near Malta. The incident occurred at approximately 00:23 local Maltese time, according to statements from flotilla organizers.
The targeted vessel, part of a humanitarian mission intended to deliver critical aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, suffered significant damage as a result of the assault. Eyewitness accounts and crew reports indicate that the ship sustained a hull breach and caught fire shortly after the aerial strike, prompting an immediate SOS distress signal.
Organizers of the Freedom Flotilla, a civil society initiative comprising international activists, have condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of international maritime law. “This was a clearly marked humanitarian ship in international waters, far from any conflict zone,” said one spokesperson. “Targeting it is both illegal and immoral.”
While social media platforms and some unofficial sources have circulated allegations pointing to Israeli involvement, no formal attribution has yet been confirmed. The Israeli government has not issued a statement regarding the incident, and no official claims of responsibility have emerged from any state or entity as of the time of this report.
Search and rescue efforts are reportedly underway, and further details regarding potential injuries or casualties remain unclear. The vessel was carrying medical supplies, food, and other essential aid items for civilians in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have continued to deteriorate amid ongoing conflict.
The international community is calling for an urgent investigation into the attack, with human rights groups warning of the dangerous precedent such actions could set for non-violent humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
This is a developing story. Red Pepper News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
