Drone Strikes Humanitarian Vessel Near Malta, Activists Report Damage

A vessel from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and international activists to Gaza was struck by drones in international waters near Malta, resulting in severe damage but no reported casualties. The drone attack, which targeted the ship's generator and caused a fire, left the vessel immobile and at risk of sinking, prompting distress calls and emergency responses from Cyprus and Italy. Activists on board and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of responsibility, citing the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza and previous similar incidents, though Israeli authorities have not commented. The incident has raised international concerns over the safety of humanitarian missions, the legality of such attacks in international waters, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza under blockade. Videos released by the NGO showed flames on the vessel, and calls have been made for an investigation into the attack. The event has drawn attention from global human rights groups and governments, underscoring the heightened risks for aid missions in conflict zones.