Qatar has strongly condemned what it described as a “blatant violation of international law” after a humanitarian aid ship from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was attacked in international waters off the coast of Malta. The vessel was en route to the Gaza Strip when it reportedly came under assault from armed drones, which the group alleges were operated by Israeli forces.
In a statement issued Saturday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the attack poses a serious threat to maritime security and the safe passage of humanitarian aid. The Ministry called for an urgent international investigation into the incident and demanded accountability for those responsible.
According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the ship Conscience was targeted at approximately 00:23 local time on May 2. “Armed drones attacked the front of an unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and a substantial breach in the hull,” the coalition said. The group blamed Israel for the assault and urged governments to summon Israeli ambassadors and demand explanations for the attack and the ongoing blockade of Gaza.
As of Saturday, Israel had not issued any official comment on the allegations.
Qatar also denounced a separate incident involving the Israeli navy, which reportedly opened fire on fishing boats off the coast of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The Foreign Ministry said such actions only serve to worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the coastal enclave, where food shortages and limited access to basic supplies have plagued civilians amid a prolonged blockade.
“The obstruction of humanitarian aid and the targeting of civilians are unacceptable and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the Ministry said.
Qatar renewed its appeal to the international community to pressure Israel into allowing the safe, continuous, and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid into all parts of Gaza. Border crossings into the enclave have been heavily restricted for over two months, cutting off critical supplies to a population already struggling under years of siege and conflict.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, made up of several international NGOs and human rights groups, has long sought to deliver aid directly to Gaza in defiance of the Israeli naval blockade. Previous attempts have also faced interception by Israeli forces, often sparking international controversy.
Qatar has positioned itself as a key regional mediator and aid donor in the ongoing Israel-Gaza crisis, frequently calling for international efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.
