By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
SvennoJ on 04 May 2025
Edit Thread

Supporters stopped from reaching Freedom Flotilla ship


Members of the Armed Forces of Malta watch on as supporters carrying supplies are prevented from approaching the ‘Conscience’

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a grassroots movement seeking to draw attention to – and break – Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Here’s a look at some of its recent efforts:

  • In April 2024, the Freedom Flotilla attempted to travel to Gaza, carrying 5,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies and aid workers from 40 countries, including former South African President Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Mandla Mandela.
  • The flotilla’s lead ship, the Akdeniz, was unable to depart Turkey after organisers said its flag was withdrawn under pressure from Israeli and US authorities.
  • The Akdeniz followed in the footsteps of previous Freedom Flotilla vessels, such as the Marianne, which was stopped by Israeli forces 100 nautical miles (185km) from Gaza’s shore in June 2015.
  • Last week, as Israel’s current total blockade on Gaza became the longest in history, activists again set out to reach Gaza, this time onboard The Conscience.
  • On Friday, two drones hit the vessel, causing the engine to catch fire and blowing a hole in the hull. It has since remained anchored in international waters near Malta.

Freedom Flotilla says Malta blocking aid to stranded vessel

Maltese authorities have blocked the stranded Freedom Flotilla ship, which came under attack off their waters while carrying aid to Gaza on May 2, from sailing to Malta or receiving assistance from volunteers, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

In a press briefing, FFC said Malta’s military “intercepted” a group of volunteers en route to aid the ship, named the Conscience, on Saturday. Maltese authorities have also continued to deny the ship access to Maltese waters, “despite urgent SOS distress calls”, it said.

“The international community and humanitarian organizations must demand that Maltese authorities permit the Conscience immediate safe passage into Maltese waters, and provide all needed assistance as well as protection for the ship and all those on board,” FFC said.

As we reported, the May 2 drone attack on the unarmed vessel blew a hole in the ship and set the engine ablaze with 30 crew members on board. At least four people suffered minor injuries, including burns, from the attack, according to the FFC.



Gaza-bound aid ship in talks with Malta to repair vessel hit by drones

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international NGO that intends to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea, has said it is in talks with Malta’s government about allowing an aid-carrying vessel to enter Maltese waters to repair damage caused by a recent drone attack.

The vessel the Conscience suffered damage to its front section including a loss of power when it was hit by two drones just outside Maltese territorial waters on Friday, the NGO that organised the mission said. The boat had been waiting to take on board some 30 peace activists from around the world before trying to sail to Gaza to deliver food and medicines.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has blamed Israel for the incident.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said earlier today that Malta was prepared to assist the ship with necessary repairs, but only after an inspection to see if it holds just humanitarian aid. NGO officials said the surveyor was welcome to board as part of the deal being negotiated with Malta.