GAZA, (PIC)
At a time when the roar of bombs drowns out the cries of the hungry, and humanity is trapped behind wires and checkpoints, the free people of the world insist on bearing witness to truth—not to falsehood.
From the heart of the sea, in international waters, the Freedom Flotilla sailed carrying a message of life to a people who face death daily in Gaza. But instead of a welcome, it was met with fire; instead of an escort, it was attacked by a drone; instead of passage, it was met with sinking.
In a scene that revives the pain of the Mavi Marmara, yet another vessel of global conscience collapses today, carrying 30 activists from various countries—guilty only of bringing medicine and dignity to a land besieged by occupation machinery for nearly two decades.
What happened is not a passing incident in turbulent waters—it is a crime that violates all laws and norms, placing humanity before a new moral test: who stands by life, and who justifies death?
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, en route to Gaza to break the siege, announced that one of its ships was attacked by a drone in international waters off the coast of Malta. The coalition issued a distress call, stating that the ship was on fire and sinking. CNN, citing the coalition, reported that 30 people were on board the vessel carrying humanitarian aid when the attack occurred just past midnight local time on Friday.
Yasmin Akar, the coalition’s media coordinator, told CNN by phone from Malta: “There’s a hole in the ship now, and it’s sinking.” She mentioned that a distress call had been sent to neighboring countries, including Malta, and that a “small boat” had been dispatched from southern Cyprus.
Akar confirmed she had managed to contact members of the flotilla crew after the distress call. According to her, the ship was about 17 kilometers off Malta’s coast when it was struck twice by a drone targeting the generators at its bow, disabling its electricity supply.
The coalition has since been unable to re-establish contact with the vessel. Akar said, “We have 30 international human rights activists on board that ship, which is sinking right now.” No official accusation has been made yet, though all indications point to the likelihood of Israeli involvement.
Tiago Avila, the flotilla coalition’s lead organizer, stated the “boat was severely damaged,” with no confirmation yet on whether any passengers were injured. The coalition includes civil society organizations from 12 countries, including the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH).
The government of Malta issued an official statement announcing the fire had been brought under control. It reported the crew consisted of 12 personnel and four civilians, with no confirmed injuries at the time.
Wael Nawar, a member of the Joint Action Coordination for Palestine, revealed they had received distress calls around midnight from activists on board. They were informed that the ship had been struck twice by an Israeli drone and that its engine was targeted. Nawar confirmed complete communication blackout, and noted a lack of serious rescue attempts from either Rome or Malta. He added that efforts were underway to contact the Tunisian Navy for immediate intervention.
Hamas condemned the attack as piracy and state terrorism, issuing a statement declaring: “The criminal Zionist army’s drone attack on the ‘Conscience’ ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla… is an act of piracy and organized state terrorism.” It held the Israeli government fully responsible for the crew’s safety and called for urgent international intervention.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah also strongly denounced the attack, describing it as “an assault on a peaceful civilian vessel” and a blatant violation of international values. It warned against a repeat of the Mavi Marmara tragedy, stressing the international community’s responsibility—especially in light of “US support, international complicity, and Arab silence.”
Salah Abdel-Ati, head of the Popular Committee for Supporting Palestinian Rights (HSHD), described the attack as a “new international crime,” noting that Israel routinely foils efforts to reach Gaza through threats, arrests, and detentions.
Speaking to our correspondent, Abdel-Ati called for an independent and serious international investigation and accountability for those responsible. He stressed the urgent need to break the siege and open humanitarian corridors immediately.
This event recalls the bloody attack of May 31, 2010, when the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara, part of the Freedom Flotilla, was assaulted by the Israeli navy—leading to the killing of ten activists.
Today, more than a decade later, the world’s conscience is still being bombed in open waters. But the banners of freedom have not been lowered, and the sea—despite the attack—remains a mirror reflecting the images of the free.
