May 2025 drone attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla
| May 2025 drone attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Gaza war | |
| Location | Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Malta |
| Coordinates | 35°56′28.76″N 14°50′30.63″E / 35.9413222°N 14.8418417°E |
| Date | 2 May 2025 00:23 (CEST) |
| Target | Gaza Freedom Flotilla (vessel: Conscience) |
Attack type | Suspected drone attack |
| Weapon | Missiles (launched from drones) |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Injured | 0 (no significant injuries reported) |
| Perpetrators | Unknown (Freedom Flotilla Coalition and some sources suggest Israeli involvement; not officially confirmed) |
| Defenders | Armed Forces of Malta, Cyprus rescue services |
| Motive | Disruption of humanitarian aid mission to Gaza; enforcement of Israeli blockade (alleged) |
| Blockade of the Gaza Strip |
|---|
| Crossings |
| 2004–2009 |
| 2010–2022 |
| 2023–present |
| Groups involved |
In the early morning on 2 May 2025, a vessel organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying 16 to 30 human rights activists and humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip, was attacked by drones in international waters off the coast of Malta. The incident occurred approximately 14–17 nautical miles (26–31 km) from Malta, outside its territorial waters. There is no independent confirmation of the nature of the incident, although Cyprus responded by dispatching a rescue boat, and the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) sent a patrol boat to assist with extinguishing the fire.
Maltese authorities offered assistance, but insisted on inspecting the vessel first. The captain declined the offer.