Ship bound for Gaza with Greta Thunberg on board attacked by drone

Freedom Flotilla Coalition activists who were planning to sail a ship to Gaza say it was struck by drones in international waters off the coast of Malta – appearing to accuse Israel of being behind the attack, the BBC writes.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said its ship The Conscience issued an SOS signal right after the attack. The organization said it had planned to sail to Gaza with people including climate activist Greta Thunberg on board and “challenge Israel’s illegal siege and blockade.” As noted, climate activist Greta Thunberg was on board the ship.

The Maltese government said everyone aboard the ship is “confirmed safe” and that a fire onboard the ship was “brought under control overnight”.

The NGO called for Israeli ambassadors to be summoned to answer for “violation of international law, including the ongoing blockade and the bombing of our civilian vessel”.

The Israeli military said it was looking into reports of the attack.

Speaking to journalists in Valetta, Thunberg said: “I was part of the group who was supposed to board that boat today to continue the voyage towards Gaza, which is one of many attempts to open up a humanitarian corridor and to do our part to keep trying to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”

According to her, the attack on the ship by two drones caused an explosion and caused extensive damage to the ship, which made it impossible to continue the mission.

“What is certain is that we human rights activists will continue to do everything in our power to do our part, to demand a free Palestine and demand the opening of a humanitarian corridor,” Thunberg said.

The Maltese government said that 12 crew and four activists were on board the boat, while the NGO said 30 activists had been on board.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition uploaded a video showing a fire on the ship. It said the attack appeared to have targeted the generator, which left the ship without power and at risk of sinking.

The Maltese government said a tugboat was sent to the scene to extinguish the fire․ Cyprus responded to the SOS signal as well.

Two months ago, Israel shut all crossings to Gaza – preventing all goods, including food, fuel and medicines from entering – and later resumed its military offensive, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.