A humanitarian ship bound for Gaza and carrying activists including Greta Thunberg was reportedly struck by drones in international waters, prompting accusations from organizers that Israel was behind the attack.
The vessel, named The Conscience, was part of a mission organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver aid, according to BBC.
According to the coalition, the ship was struck by drones on Friday around 12:23 a.m. local time, just off the coast of Malta. A fire broke out onboard, forcing the crew to send out an SOS.
Audio of the distress call confirmed reports of drone strikes and a fire. Maltese officials said the fire was contained within an hour, and all 16 people onboard were reported safe.
Activists say the attack targeted the ship's generator, disabling its power and rendering it immobile. Greta Thunberg, who had planned to board the vessel later that day, denounced the strike as an assault on a peaceful humanitarian mission.
Thunberg told the Times of Malta it was "yet another crystal clear example of how international law and human rights are being completely disrespected."
The ship remains stranded off Malta, with its hull damaged and power lost. Activists are demanding international accountability and have called for Israeli ambassadors to answer for what they call a violation of international law.
The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident but has not confirmed responsibility. Malta and Cyprus responded to the SOS, but did not provide sufficient technical assistance, according to the coalition.
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