Drone strikes ship carrying aid to Gaza off the coast of Malta with 16 people on board
Around 12 crew members and four civilians were on board. However, no casualties were reported, reported news agencies quoting a statement by Codepink, a grassroots peace and social justice movement.
The vessel, which belongs to the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was trying to get food and supplies to people in Gaza, said the statement.
'At 00:23 Maltese time, a #FreedomFlotilla ship was subjected to a drone attack. The front of the vessel was targeted twice, resulting in a fire and a breach in the hull. The ship is currently located in international waters near #Malta. An #SOS distress signal was sent,' said Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international non-governmental group, in a post on X.
It also published video footage showing a fire on one of its ships, and pointed the finger at Israel.
"Israeli ambassadors must be summoned and answer to violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade (of Gaza) and the bombing of our civilian vessel in international waters," it said.
The Maltese government said maritime authorities had received a mayday call from a vessel reporting a fire shortly after midnight local time.
The vessel was outside territorial waters and had 12 crew members and four civilians on board, reported Reuters quoting the government.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Charlie Andreasson, who has been involved in the organization for more than a decade, told that he had spoken to people on board who said there were two explosions and a fire broke out.
While the people on board were safe, he said there was a risk that the boat could sink as the generator was hit and the boat was immobile.
First Published: 2 May 2025, 02:39 PM IST
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
11 minutes ago
- First Post
Combat to continue 'without rest' if hostages remain in Gaza, warns IDF chief
Israel's army chief has warned of unrelenting combat in Gaza unless a deal is reached to free hostages still held by Hamas. The statement comes amid stalled truce talks and growing domestic pressure as disturbing hostage videos surface read more Palestinians gather as they carry aid supplies that entered Gaza through Israel, amid a hunger crisis, in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, July 20, 2025. File Image/Reuters Israel's top general has warned that there would be no break in the fighting in Gaza if negotiations fail to immediately secure the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory. Army chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir stated, 'I estimate that in the coming days we will know whether we can reach an agreement for the release of our hostages,' according to a military statement. 'If not, the combat will continue without rest,' he stated Friday while speaking to authorities within Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli military released footage showing Zamir speaking with officials and troops at a command centre. According to the military, 49 of the 251 persons who were abducted from Israel during Hamas' October 2023 attack are still in Gaza, with 27 of them having died. This week, two films of the hostages appearing frail and malnourished were made public by Palestinian armed factions. Some in Israel have urged for more forceful military action after negotiations to ensure a ceasefire and their release, which were brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, failed last month. This occurs in the midst of mounting pressure to recommence efforts to broker a truce in the nearly 22-month crisis, both domestically and internationally, including from many of the hostages' families. Meanwhile, charity organisations have issued warnings that Israeli aid restrictions are causing a devastating famine in Gaza. Zamir nonetheless rejected these allegations out of hand. 'The current campaign of false accusations of intentional starvation is a deliberate, timed, and deceitful attempt to accuse the IDF (military), a moral army, of war crimes,' he said. 'The ones responsible for the killing and suffering of the residents in the Gaza Strip is Hamas.' Hamas's 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to a tally based on official figures. A total of 898 Israeli soldiers have also been killed since ground troops were sent into Gaza, according to the military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed at least 60,332 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
India.com
11 minutes ago
- India.com
After Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, more bad news for Netanyahu as Israel citizens afraid of..., new survey reveals shocking truth
(Representational image) New Delhi: A recent survey in Israel has highlighted the growing concern among the citizens of the country. According to this survey published by Israel's Channel 12, 56% of Israeli citizens fear that they may be unable to travel abroad due to the negative response and criticism of the international community due to the Gaza war. This survey reflects the impact on Israel's image globally amid the Israel-Hamas war and regional tensions. What does the survey reveal about Israelis' concerns? 56% Israelis worried: 56% of the people surveyed said that they are afraid to travel abroad due to global criticism. They feel that the growing opposition to Israel in many countries may affect their travel plans. 40% carefree: On the other hand, 40% of the people said that they have no such concern and they will not let international criticism dominate their travel plans. Fear of boycott: The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement launched by some countries and organizations against Israel has also fuelled this fear. Many Israelis feel that this movement may limit their global travels. What is the whole matter? The ongoing war in Gaza and Israel's military operations have sparked sharp reactions globally. Many countries voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), while some countries like India abstained from voting. Apart from this, Israeli attacks on Iran and Syria have also been condemned by many countries. These incidents have affected Israel's international image, which is also affecting the mindset of ordinary Israelis. What is the fear among Israelis? Some Israelis fear that global criticism may cause some countries to tighten visa rules for their citizens or deny them entry. Boycotting Israeli products and services under the BDS movement has also raised concerns. Some Israelis fear it could have long-term effects on their economy and personal freedoms. Surveys show that Israeli citizens are not only afraid of physical restrictions, but are also worried about their identity and acceptance on the global stage.
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ukraine Launches MASSIVE Drone Attack On Russia; 3 Killed, Over 100 UAVs Shot Down
Saudi Neighbour Launches HYPERSONIC MISSILE Attack On Israel; Huge Tel Aviv In Panic, Israelis FLEE Yemen's Houthi rebels launched another ballistic missile at Israel, triggering air raid sirens across central regions including Jerusalem. Israeli defense systems successfully intercepted the missile, which the Houthis claimed was aimed at Ben Gurion Airport. No injuries or damage were reported. This marks the second missile fired by the Houthis in less than 48 hours, adding to a total of 67 missiles and 17 drones launched since March. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Yemen's Hodeida port, targeting military infrastructure of the Iran-backed rebel group. The situation continues to escalate as Israel confirms active monitoring of Houthi threats. 4.4K views | 8 hours ago
