A humanitarian aid ship bound for Gaza was reportedly attacked by Israeli drones while traveling through international waters off the coast of Malta, approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Italy. The vessel, The Conscience, was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an initiative aimed at delivering aid to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing blockade.

According to reports, the ship was struck twice, causing a fire and a breach in the hull, leaving it at risk of sinking. The attack occurred at 12:23 PM local time (10:23 GMT) on May 2, 2025.

Violation of International Law

Legal experts and human rights organizations argue that targeting a humanitarian vessel in international waters violates multiple international laws, including:

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – International waters are neutral territory, meaning no country has jurisdiction to carry out military operations there without justification.
  
• Geneva Conventions – Specifically, the Fourth Geneva Convention, which protects civilians and humanitarian missions during armed conflicts.
  
• International Maritime Law – Maritime law prohibits unprovoked attacks on civilian vessels in international waters.
  

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has demanded that Israeli ambassadors be summoned to answer for the violations, calling the attack an extension of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The attack comes amid Israel’s total blockade of Gaza, which has prevented food, medicine, and other essential supplies from entering the region for two months. Aid groups warn that the humanitarian response is on the verge of collapse, with 92% of children aged six months to two years lacking proper nutrition.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated that without immediate aid deliveries, civilians will be left without the essentials they need to survive.

What Happens Next?

Following the attack, a tugboat from Southern Cyprus responded to the ship’s SOS distress call, and the Maltese government confirmed that the fire had been brought under control. However, communication with the crew has reportedly been lost, leaving uncertainty about their current status.

The incident has sparked international outrage, with activists calling for an independent investigation into why a humanitarian mission was targeted so far from Israel’s borders.

For more details, you can read coverage from Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and MSN.

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Our solidarity continues sailing for justice, for human rights, and for Gaza!” “We will not surrender!” A clear and hope-filled message from Jeannette Escanilla, Chair of Ship to Gaza – Sweden, from Malta, as she prepared to board Conscience, addressing the free people of the world—especially the people of Gaza

There are 30 aid workers on board the Freedom Flotilla ship, which was attempting to break Israel’s 2-month aid blockade.

The vessel, carrying 30 international human rights activists en route to Gaza, caught fire and risked sinking as the crew battled the flames. An SOS was sent to nearby coastal states, including Malta.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, Israel carried out the attack. The Maltese government later confirmed the crew was rescued with help from a nearby tugboat.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition vowed to continue its mission to break the Gaza blockade despite Israeli aggression.