An international NGO that intends to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea has reported that its ship, named Conscience, was attacked by drones in international waters off Malta on May 2, 2025. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which operates the vessel, alleges that Israel is responsible for the drone strike that caused significant damage, including a loss of power, to the ship.
The incident occurred just hours before a group of activists was scheduled to board the Conscience in Malta. Surya McEwen, an Australian activist preparing to join the ship, described the attack as shocking, stating, "It was shocking to all of us. We've had that feeling of being shocked by the atrocities that are happening over and over again for the last couple of years, so maybe we shouldn't have been so shocked." The FFC has been advocating for the people of Gaza for over 15 years, with the first flotilla setting sail in August 2008.
According to the coalition, the drone strike targeted the ship's generator, leaving the crew without power and placing the vessel at risk of sinking. The attack occurred at 00:23 Maltese time, with the group publishing footage that showed a fire on the ship and lights in the sky before the explosions.
The FFC has been attempting to deliver essential supplies, including food and medicine, to the besieged enclave of Gaza, where humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly due to a blockade imposed by Israel. Since early March, Israel has completely cut off all supplies to the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, leading to dire shortages of food and other necessities.
On May 4, 2025, Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the government was prepared to assist with repairs to the Conscience once it was confirmed that the vessel was carrying only humanitarian aid. The coalition had earlier accused Malta of impeding access to the ship, a claim that Malta's government denied, asserting that the crew had refused assistance and a surveyor to assess the damage.
Greta Thunberg, the prominent Swedish climate activist, was also in Malta and had intended to board the ship as part of the flotilla. She expressed her disappointment at the attack, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian missions in times of crisis.
As the situation unfolded, the Maltese government confirmed that all individuals aboard the flotilla were safe, with no casualties reported among the 12 crew members and four civilian passengers. However, the FFC claimed there were 30 people on board, including activists from various countries.
The group has called for international attention to the incident, demanding a full investigation into what they describe as a violation of international law. Yasemin Acar, the FFC's press officer, labeled the attack a "war crime," stating, "They have attacked a vessel that carries peaceful activists who are on their way to break a total blockade — no water, no food, no humanitarian aid has reached the Palestinians in Gaza right now." She added that the coalition has been working tirelessly to make the mission happen, facing repeated attacks.
While the Israeli government has not accepted responsibility for the incident, reports indicate that Cyprus' rescue agency was informed of an Israeli drone strike. Türkiye's foreign minister also confirmed that Turkish nationals were aboard the ship and expressed condemnation of the attack.
The FFC has faced challenges in previous missions as well. In 2010, another coalition ship attempting to reach Gaza was stopped and boarded by Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of nine activists. Other ships have similarly been intercepted, with activists arrested but without loss of life in many instances.
As the coalition continues to advocate for the people of Gaza, McEwen expressed a sense of duty to push for change, stating, "I feel like as a human, if you're in a situation where you can push history in the right direction, even slightly, then that's an honour and a privilege and maybe even a duty to do that." He emphasized the importance of solidarity and humanitarian efforts in light of the ongoing crisis.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for accountability and a cessation of hostilities that have led to immense suffering in Gaza. The FFC remains committed to its mission, determined to navigate the challenges ahead and deliver much-needed aid to those in need.
