Malta Refuses Entry to Gaza Aid Ship After Drone Attack

A humanitarian aid ship, Conscience, carrying around 30 activists and bound for Gaza, was reportedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta, causing significant damage and leaving it stranded just outside Maltese territorial waters. Maltese authorities responded with emergency support, offering fire-fighting assistance, supplies, and evacuation, but have repeatedly refused to allow the vessel to dock, citing technicalities such as its unflagged status and lack of insurance. Despite pleas from activists and local NGOs, and with the vessel taking on water, Malta maintains it is adhering to international law and has denied any breaches of its sovereignty, stating that no related aircraft or vessels entered its airspace or waters during the incident. The Maltese government has avoided addressing the humanitarian nature of the mission directly, focusing instead on procedural justifications for its refusal. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition blames Israel for the attack, though Israel has not commented and no nation has officially claimed responsibility. The situation has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and sparked planned protests in Malta demanding safe harbor for the aid ship.