An aid ship en route to Gaza reportedly caught fire early Friday following an alleged drone attack in international waters near Malta, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the group organizing the mission. The group believes Israel was behind the strike, though no evidence has been publicly provided, and Israeli officials have declined to comment.

The vessel, named The Conscience, was carrying humanitarian supplies and activists when it caught fire shortly after midnight local time. The ship issued a distress signal, with the FFC reporting a hole in the hull and fears of it sinking. Malta’s government confirmed the fire and said it had been extinguished. No injuries were reported.

“There is a hole in the vessel right now and the ship is sinking,” FFC press officer Yasemin Acar told CNN.

A tugboat was dispatched to assist, but all crew members reportedly refused to board it, opting instead to continue fighting the fire on board.

Malta reported 16 people were aboard — 12 crew and 4 civilians — though FFC initially claimed 30 were on the ship. The vessel had not yet reached Malta, where more activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg and retired U.S. Army Col. Mary Ann Wright, were scheduled to join before the voyage to Gaza.

FFC accused Israel of targeting the vessel, saying it was attacked twice by drones. Videos shared by the group show flames and smoke, along with the sound of explosions. CNN could not independently verify the footage.

Activist Mary Ann Wright expressed disbelief at the incident, telling CNN:
“Who would send drones to bomb a ship that is anchoring off Malta? Anyone could have been on that boat.”

FFC called for international accountability, urging governments to summon Israeli diplomats and investigate what it calls violations of international law.

Speaking to Reuters from Malta, Thunberg condemned the blockade on Gaza and emphasized the mission’s goal:
“For two months now, not a single bottle of water has entered Gaza. It’s a systematic starvation of 2 million people,” she said.

She added that the ship remains at anchor because moving it could cause it to take on water and sink.

The incident comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel imposed a full blockade on the region in March, cutting off food, medicine, and other aid to over 2 million residents. The World Food Programme recently warned its warehouses are empty, and remaining food in local markets is unaffordable for most.

Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, urged authorities to protect the vessel and investigate the incident.

In 2010, a similar flotilla headed to Gaza was raided by Israeli forces in international waters, resulting in nine deaths and international condemnation. The FFC says it kept this latest mission under media blackout to avoid sabotage.

While the Israeli military remains silent, flight-tracking data showed an Israeli Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft flying near Malta hours before the alleged attack, though it never landed on the island. The plane later returned to Israel.

Former U.S. Army explosives expert Trevor Ball told CNN that photos of the damaged ship appear consistent with two small blast munitions.

Despite the incident, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition vows to continue its mission:
“What is certain is that we human rights activists will continue to do everything in our power to do our part,” said Thunberg.

Source: CNN – Aid ship bound for Gaza catches fire after alleged Israeli drone attack off Malta

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Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Sunday that the country would close its embassy in Ireland, citing what he described as Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” The decision marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.

In a statement from Israel’s foreign ministry, Sa’ar accused Ireland of employing actions and rhetoric that amount to antisemitism. “Ireland’s actions are rooted in the delegitimization and demonization of the Jewish state, alongside double standards. Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel,” Sa’ar asserted.

Sa’ar emphasized that Israel would redirect its diplomatic efforts toward countries that demonstrate more favorable attitudes toward the Jewish state. “Israel will invest its resources in advancing bilateral relations with nations whose policies align with our priorities and values,” he added.

Ireland’s Support for Palestine and the ICJ

The foreign ministry’s statement highlighted specific actions taken by Ireland that contributed to this decision, including Ireland’s recognition of the State of Palestine earlier this year. In May, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris declared, “There is never a wrong time to do the right thing,” as he announced formal recognition of Palestine during an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

In addition, Dublin’s intervention in a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) further strained relations. The case, initiated by South Africa, accuses Israel of failing to prevent alleged genocidal acts in Gaza. Ireland’s support for this legal action reinforced its longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Opposition and Backlash

The embassy closure drew criticism from Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, who called the move a “victory for antisemitism and anti-Israel organizations” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “The way to deal with criticism is not to run away, but to stay and fight!” Lapid argued.

Sa’ar fired back on the platform, accusing Lapid of downplaying the severity of Ireland’s actions. “Shame on you, Yair! This is clear antisemitism based on delegitimization, dehumanization, and double standards towards the Jewish state,” he wrote.

Ireland’s Response

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris described Israel’s decision as “deeply regrettable,” firmly rejecting accusations of antisemitism. “Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights, and pro-international law,” Harris stated in his own post on X.

The fallout underscores Ireland’s vocal support for Palestinian rights, a position that has long been a cornerstone of its foreign policy. In March, Ireland announced plans to intervene in the ICJ genocide case against Israel, reflecting its commitment to addressing allegations of human rights violations in Gaza.

Broader Implications

Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Ireland signals a shift in its diplomatic priorities, with a focus on fostering relations with countries perceived as more supportive. The move also highlights the growing international polarization over Israel’s policies and its treatment of Palestinians.

As tensions between Israel and Ireland continue to escalate, the broader implications for EU-Israel relations and international efforts to mediate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain uncertain.

News Source

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