A ship that intends to transport humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea has been in discussions with Malta’s government about allowing a vessel to enter Maltese waters to repair the damage done by a drone attack, according to an international NGO.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) ship Conscience was hit by two drones early on Friday in the central Mediterranean, which caused damage to its front section, including power loss, according to the NGO.
Israel, according to the coalition, is to blame for the incident because it has bombarded and blocked Gaza, according to an international non-governmental organization.
#FreedomFlotilla Press release from 04-05-2025: “We received a very welcome update from the government of Malta@MaltaGov, with a stated intention to provide logistical support and potential repairs to our ship, the “Conscience.” (read more…) https: //t. co/PVk6qjJsM3
Before setting off to Gaza in the eastern Mediterranean, The Conscience had been awaiting the arrival of 30 peace activists from all over the world. The ship had been attempting to deliver supplies of food and medicine to the besieged area, where aid organizations warn residents are struggling to survive after Israel imposed a two-month total blockade.
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish activist, claimed she was in Malta and intended to board the flotilla ship.
After being satisfied that the ship only had humanitarian aid, Malta, according to Prime Minister Robert Abela, announced on Sunday that it was ready to repair the ship so that it could continue its journey.
The ship was in no danger of sinking, according to coalition officials, who said on Sunday that they wanted to make sure it would be able to sail out again while repairs were being done.
The coalition had claimed earlier on Sunday that Malta had hampered access to its ship. Malta refuted the claim, claiming that the crew had requested assistance and even had barred a surveyor from entering the ship to examine the damage.
The FFC would like to clarify its commitment to working with the [Maltese] authorities to make it easier for us to complete our urgent humanitarian mission to Gaza, the coalition said in a statement later that day.
Once the boat’s cargo was verified to be aid, a spokesman for the Malta government said its offer was to assist with repairs done at sea.
The surveyor was welcomed aboard as part of a deal being negotiated with Malta, according to Coalition officials.
Israel halted humanitarian aid to Gaza two months ago just before it resurrected its conflict with Hamas, which has devasted the Palestinian enclave and claimed the lives of more than 51 000 people.
Nine activists were killed when another NGO ship traveling to Gaza in 2010 was stopped and boarded by Israeli forces. Similar actions have been taken to stop and board these ships, which also resulted in activists being detained.
Source: Aljazeera
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