IMAGE: Israeli drone attack on Freedom Flotilla vessel “Conscience” (Source: NGO Mavi Marmara)
Following Israel’s attack on the Freedom Flotilla humanitarian vessel Conscience, the ship has remained stranded in international waters since being hit by two drones on May 2, 2025. After extinguishing fires and tending to the injured, the captain cautiously headed towards Maltese waters, alerting authorities about concerns of further attacks. Earlier, Time of Malta reported that Military experts they spoke to believe it was a calculated attack to send a warning, and that “the images shared by the NGO so far clearly show evidence of a strike, possibly caused by an Orbiter 1K. The Orbiter 1K, developed by Aeronautics Ltd of Israel, is a compact, electric loitering munition (suicide drone) designed for precise strikes with minimal collateral damage. Nonetheless, experts recognise the possibility that the drones could have been launched by an Israeli Hercules C-130. Other Israeli loitering munitions include the IAI Harop, IAI Harpy, and Elbit Skystriker. If recovered, debris from the blast would help identify the origin of the munition or system used in this unprovoked attack.
VIDEO: Orbiter 1K drone is an Israeli-made loitering munition designed to hit soft targets with precision (Source: Israel Military Channel)
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Despite sending SOS signals and communicating with Maltese officials, Malta blocked the ship’s entry and denied docking permission even though four individuals on board sustained minor injuries, including burns and cuts, from the attack. Earlier that day, members of the Freedom Flotilla set sail from Malta in an attempt to deliver aid to the Conscience; however, they were intercepted by the Armed Forces of Malta, who compelled them to return under the threat of arrest. The Maltese Authorities explained that the government was preventing the vessel from proceeding due to its lack of a flag and insurance, even though the Geneva Conventions ensure the right to passage for humanitarian aid.
Eventually, Malta did offer to send a marine surveyor on board to assess the reported damage sustained by the vessel and help the wounded. Maltese authorities, who until yesterday refused to allow the ship to dock or to let volunteers provide assistance, have reportedly stated their intent to provide logistical support and potential repairs to the ship…
IMAGE: Freedom Flotilla Team near vessel Conscience” (Source: Freedom Flotilla Coalition)
Freedom Flotilla Coalition Media Team reports…
Press Release Statement: 04-05-2025
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) wishes to inform the public that we received a very welcome update from the government of Malta, with a stated intent to provide logistical support and potential repairs to our ship, the ‘Conscience’. We would like to reiterate our intent to be let into Malta, with the guarantee that our peaceful action to sail to Gaza will not be hindered in any way.
When the ‘Conscience’ was initially approached by the coast guards, they allegedly did not identify themselves, and it took just under one hour before helping extinguish the fire on board. The crew signalled for help, but their radio signal was tampered with, creating further doubt. The Malta Armed Forces had also encouraged them to abandon ship, meaning that legally, the ‘Conscience’ did not have any guarantees that our ship would remain safe, impeding agreements.
The FFC would like to clarify our commitment to engagement with the relevant authorities to expedite the temporary docking of our ship for repairs and surveyors, so we can continue on the urgent humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Spokesperson for the FFC, Thiago Avila, on behalf of the over 20 nationalities of volunteer medics, educators, engineers, farmers, students, activists, social workers and community organisers presently in the state of Malta:
“Today’s news is a very positive development. We look forward to dialogue and coordination with the Maltese authorities to be able to re-focus media and public attention where it needs to be; on Israel´s calculated genocide, deliberate famine and wholescale destruction in Gaza’
FFC organiser and spokesperson, Yasemin Acar, states:
“Our mission is to mobilize global solidarity in the face of genocide in Gaza. For over 60 days, no humanitarian aid has entered by land, this crisis demands urgent international action. In the absence of political will, we remain committed to acting as global citizens. While we’re grateful for all support, every day without an investigation delays aid and denies justice. We have the right to know who attacked us and put humanitarian workers’ lives at risk.”
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