The attack on the Freedom Flotilla

Information: Passengers refused evacuation

The Freedom Flotilla's ship Conscience remains in approximately the same location off the coast of Malta where representatives say it was attacked by drones during the night towards Friday. This is shown by data from Vessel Finder and the ship's transponder, which is still working.

According to representatives of the Freedom Flotilla that the BBC has spoken to in the Maltese capital Valletta, it is not possible to move the ship without risking it taking on more water and sinking.

The fire on board the ship has reportedly been extinguished and a tugboat from Cyprus has reportedly offered to evacuate the passengers, who have however chosen to remain on board the Conscience.

Expert: Israel probably attacked the ship

Israel is probably behind the attack on a ship from the aid organization Freedom Flotilla last night. This is what Anders Persson, an expert on the Israel-Palestine conflict, tells TT.

– Historically, Israel has cracked down on this type of activist in order to deter them. It could be individual activists, organizations or states that are considered to be against Israel's interests in various ways.

No one has formally claimed responsibility for the attack, but according to Persson, there are no other likely attackers.

The situation of the 30 people on board is still unclear at noon on Friday. The Freedom Flotilla organization stated earlier on Friday that the SOS alarms sent to Malta were met with silence.

Thunberg on the attack on the aid ship: A war crime

The Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is strongly criticizing the attack on the Freedom Flotilla organization's ship Conscience off Malta, reports Expressen.

– This is a war crime and another example of international law and human rights lacking respect from the international community, she says.

According to the organization, the ship was attacked with drones at 2 a.m. on Friday. 30 people are said to be on board the ship, which is in danger of sinking.

Greta Thunberg herself is in Malta and was scheduled to board the ship during the day.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. According to Freedom Flotilla, as well as Swedish expert Anders Persson, it is likely that Israel carried out the attack.