Organizers say Israel is behind drone attack on Gaza aid flotilla
A photo via the Freedom Flotilla Coalition of the Gaza freedom flotilla after the drone strike, May 2025
Michael Aria reports in Mondoweiss on 2 May 2025:
A ship carrying aid to Gaza was hit by a drone attack in international waters off the coast of Malta.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says that drones hit a vessel twice, causing a fire and a breach in the hull. On social media, the group shared a video of the boat in flames.
“The ship, located in international waters just off the coast of Malta, issued an SOS distress signal immediately following the attack,” said the group in a statement. “A vessel from Southern Cypress was dispatched but is not providing the critical electrical support needed. The drone strike appears to have deliberately targeted the ship’s generator, leaving the crew without power and placing the vessel at great risk of sinking.”
Local sources report that Maltese forces arrived to rescue the ship.
Israel has not commented on the strike. According to the flight-tracking website ADS-B Exchange, an Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules flew to Malta prior to the drone attacks.