Gaza Aid Ship Attacked by Drones in International Waters
Valletta — May 2, 2025 —
A ship delivering humanitarian aid Gaza was targeted in a drone attack in waters near Malta. The incident, occurring Friday, involved the targeting of a vessel carrying essential aid supplies. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) claims the drone strikes were executed by Israeli aircraft, causing important damage.For comprehensive insights into the attack and its ramifications, continue reading.
Gaza Aid Ship Attacked by Drones in International Waters
May 2, 2025

Drone Strikes Target Aid Vessel En Route to Gaza
A ship carrying humanitarian aid to the gaza Strip was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters near Malta on Friday. The Freedom flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organized the mission, alleges that the strikes were carried out by Israeli aircraft.
Did You Know?
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a group of activists that have been organizing missions to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza for many years.
Details of the Attack
- Timing: The incident occured early Friday, May 2, 2025.
- Location: International waters near Malta.
- Alleged Perpetrator: The FFC accuses Israeli aircraft of carrying out the attack.
- Damage: The FFC reports that the drone strikes appeared to deliberately target the ship’s generator, causing a fire and
large damage to the hull
, putting the ship at risk of sinking.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s Response
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) has condemned the attack,stating they organized the mission in secrecy to avoid the potential of sabotage.
The FFC, described as a non-violent activist coalition campaigning to end Israel’s siege in Gaza,
is calling for accountability.
The Israeli Ambassador must be called and held accountable for violations of international law, including the ongoing blockade and our civil ship bombing in international waters.
Freedom Flotilla Coalition
About the Ship and Its Mission
- Crew: The ship carried 30 people from 21 countries, including
prominent figures.
- SOS: Following the attack, the ship issued an SOS signal.
- Aid: The ship was carrying humanitarian assistance intended for the Gaza Strip.
Response and Rescue Efforts
- cyprus: South Cyprus dispatched a ship, but the FFC stated it
did not provide vital electricity support needed.
- Malta: The Malta government confirmed that nearby tugs were deployed to assist the ship and confirmed everyone on the ship
Certainly Congratulations.
- Interaction Loss:
The crew loses electricity and communication supply with the ship being cut off,
according to the FFC.
Broader Context
The alleged attack occurred two months after Israel reportedly halted all humanitarian assistance and commercial goods from entering Gaza. Much of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed during the war sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, which has also killed more than 52,000 people according to health officials [[1]].Since Israel launched its offensive in the enclave following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attacks, more than 51,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including thousands of children [[3]].
Pro Tip
International waters are generally defined as the parts of the ocean that are not within any country’s territorial waters. Attacks in international waters are often considered violations of international law.
Israel’s Stance
Israel has not commented on the drone strikes [[2]].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is responsible for the attack?
- The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accuses Israeli aircraft, but Israel has not commented.
- Were did the attack take place?
- In international waters near Malta.
- What was the ship carrying?
- Humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip.
- What is the current status of the ship?
- Tugs were deployed to assist, and all crew members are reportedly safe.