A ship bringing aid to Gaza was hit by drones while sailing in international waters near Malta on Friday, according to organizers. The group, called the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, claimed that Israel was behind the strike. They said the attack caused a fire and serious damage to the vessel named Conscience. The ship had 16 people on board — 12 crew members and four civilian volunteers.
The incident adds to growing fears about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Gaza has been under a full blockade since March, and international aid groups say the region is on the edge of collapse.
What Happened?
The Conscience was around 16 miles (about 26 kilometers) off Malta’s coast when it was hit, the Freedom Flotilla said. A loud explosion was heard, and shortly after, a fire broke out. In a video shared by the group, flames can be seen on the ship. Another clip captures the moment of the blast.
Authorities in Malta said the ship sent out a distress signal. A nearby tugboat responded, but those on board refused to leave the vessel. The fire was later brought under control. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and all 16 people are safe, the Maltese government confirmed.
Photos from Cypriot officials showed a breach in the side of the ship, suggesting serious damage. The Freedom Flotilla said the ship’s generator was likely hit, knocking out power and risking the vessel sinking.
Charlie Andreasson, a long-time volunteer with the group, said he had spoken with people on board who reported two explosions. He told The Associated Press that the crew believed drones had hit the ship.
Israel Accused — No Comment Yet
While the group pointed fingers at Israel, they offered no clear evidence that Israeli forces were responsible. The Israeli military did not respond to requests for comment. Still, the incident raises concerns because of Israel’s past actions against aid flotillas trying to reach Gaza.
One notable incident occurred in 2010. That year, Israeli forces stormed a Turkish ship, the Mavi Marmara, killing nine activists on board. The Mavi Marmara was part of a similar aid flotilla also trying to break the Gaza blockade. That event drew global attention and condemnation.
Why Is Gaza Cut Off?
Israel has closed Gaza’s borders to all imports — including food and medicine — since early March 2025. This move came as part of an effort to put pressure on Hamas to release hostages. Those hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas-led militants in southern Israel. That attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Militants also took 251 hostages that day. As of now, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive.
In return, Israel launched a massive military campaign. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 52,000 Palestinians have died, many of them women and children. Israeli bombings and ground attacks have destroyed much of Gaza’s homes, roads, and hospitals. Nearly the entire population is now homeless.
Humanitarian Collapse Feared
Aid groups say the situation is becoming desperate. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned on Friday that many of its programs in Gaza could stop soon. Without new aid deliveries, they will run out of food and medicine.
One of these programs is the “common kitchens” initiative. These kitchens give many Gazans the only meal they get each day. If aid doesn’t arrive, the ICRC says they may shut down within weeks.
“Aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. Hostages must be released. Civilians must be protected,” the ICRC said in a public statement. “Without immediate action, Gaza will descend further into chaos that humanitarian efforts will not be able to mitigate.”
What’s Next?
The strike on the Conscience is the latest blow to aid workers trying to help civilians in Gaza. It highlights how dangerous the job has become — even far from the war zone.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says it remains committed to bringing help to Gaza, despite the risks. They argue that peaceful efforts to help people in need should not be met with violence.
Meanwhile, global leaders continue to call for a ceasefire. Many say the suffering in Gaza has gone too far. With the war stretching into its 19th month and the humanitarian crisis deepening, the need for aid has never been greater.
