‘Perpetrators Clearly Intended To Sink’ Gaza Flotilla – Archbishop Denounces
Archbishop Charles Scicluna has denounced a drone attack on the Freedom Flotilla en route to Gaza on Friday, calling it an “egregious act of aggression” and a serious concern for both the Maltese people and the international community.
Speaking to Times of Malta, Scicluna expressed deep concern over the incident, which occurred in international waters just outside Malta’s territorial boundary, at Hurd’s Bank. The vessel – Conscience, part of the Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, was reportedly hit in two areas by drones, according to activists.
Among those in Malta preparing to join the mission were prominent climate activist Greta Thunberg and retired U.S. Army Colonel Mary Ann Wright.
A fire that broke out aboard the vessel was extinguished in the early hours of Friday. Following the incident, the Armed Forces of Malta dispatched a patrol boat to the scene.
Later that day, reports emerged that an Israeli military aircraft had flown over Maltese airspace on Thursday, just hours before the explosion. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility, the attack has drawn widespread international condemnation.
Archbishop Scicluna described the strike as a grave violation of fundamental human values and international law. This attack targeted innocent people and humanitarian property, he said. “The perpetrators clearly intended to sink a ship bringing aid to the starving population of Gaza and send a chilling message that humanitarian aid is not welcome…”
“We can only be grateful the consequences were not more serious,” he added.
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