Iran has strongly condemned a reported drone attack on a humanitarian aid vessel bound for Gaza, allegedly carried out by Israel in international waters near Malta. The incident, which occurred early Friday, involved the ship Conscience, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a non-governmental organization dedicated to delivering aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.
In a statement released on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the attack as a “terrorist action” aimed at perpetuating the blockade on Gaza and suppressing support for Palestinians. “This attack is part of Israel’s continued plan to undermine the rights of the Palestinian people and to enforce the inhumane blockade on Gaza,” Baghaei said. He described the targeting of a civilian vessel carrying food, water, and medical supplies as a “clear crime against Palestinians and a violation of maritime security.”
Baghaei emphasized that depriving Gaza’s population 5particularly children, women, and the injured—of essential humanitarian aid constitutes “a war crime and a crime against humanity.” He also held the United States and Israel’s other allies responsible, accusing them of being complicit in these acts by supporting Israeli policies in the region.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition reported that their ship was struck by drone-fired explosives while sailing in international waters. Although no injuries were reported, the vessel was severely damaged, and the attack prompted a distress call.
Malta’s government confirmed on Friday that its maritime authorities had received a distress signal from the vessel, located outside the country’s territorial waters. Rescue teams responded swiftly, and all crew members were safely evacuated. Local media reported that an Israeli military aircraft was spotted in the vicinity hours before the attack occurred.
As of Saturday evening, Israel has not issued an official statement on the incident. The silence has further fueled criticism, particularly from nations and organizations calling for accountability and the protection of humanitarian missions.
The incident adds to growing international scrutiny of Israel’s blockade on Gaza, especially amidst escalating regional tensions and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
