Bombed Gaza Aid Ship Denied Entry by Malta amid Int’l Silence
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Maltese authorities are preventing an aid vessel struck by Israeli drones while en route to Gaza from entering their waters or receiving assistance, according to FFC, which denounced the obstruction as part of a wider pattern of Western indifference to Palestinian suffering.
The humanitarian ship Conscience, carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta in the early hours of May 2, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) .
The vessel sustained heavy damage in the strike, which blew a hole in its hull and set the engine on fire, injuring four people.
Despite multiple SOS signals and direct contact with Maltese authorities, the ship remains stranded at sea and has been denied entry into Maltese waters.
The FFC said that on May 3, the Maltese military intercepted vessels carrying volunteers from 13 countries who were attempting to reach Conscience to deliver aid and support.
Those volunteers were forced to return to Malta and subjected to immigration procedures under threat of arrest, the group said.
“This is the second consecutive day that Maltese authorities have blocked the FFC’s access to its vessel, crew and participants,” the coalition said in a statement.
The group called for immediate safe passage and protection for those on board, accusing Malta of ignoring humanitarian obligations.
CNN reported that an Israeli military aircraft flew over eastern Malta shortly before the May 2 attack.
The Israeli military declined to comment.
The Red Cross has warned that Gaza's humanitarian system is nearing total collapse.
“Every day, civilians in Gaza endure enormous suffering as they survive dangers, face continued displacement and suffer the consequences of being denied urgent humanitarian assistance,” said Pascal Hunte, ICRC Deputy Director of Operations.
The FFC characterized the drone strike as an act of intimidation aimed at discouraging international efforts to breach the blockade of Gaza.
Critics have accused the Maltese government of complicity through inaction and obstruction, as no explanation has been provided for the continued refusal to allow the damaged ship into port.
Meanwhile, international institutions and European governments have remained largely silent following what the FFC calls an unlawful attack on a civilian vessel.
