Trending 
The United Nations (UN) human rights office has called for an independent investigation into a drone strike on a Gaza-bound aid vessel in international waters off Malta.
The UN human rights office also reiterated its demand for Israel to lift its blockade on the territory, which it says constitutes “collective punishment.”
The vessel, Conscience, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, caught fire early Friday following what was reported as a drone attack.
The ship was delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and was located in international waters at the time. The Maltese government confirmed that the fire was contained with the help of a tugboat and that all 12 crew members and four civilian passengers on board were safe, although they reportedly refused to abandon the ship.
UN human rights spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told Anadolu Agency that while the incident could not be independently verified, it was essential that a “credible, impartial, and effective” investigation be launched to determine responsibility and ensure accountability.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of carrying out the strike, calling for diplomatic action and demanding that Israeli ambassadors be summoned in response to what it described as clear breaches of international law.
The group also condemned Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for over 17 years.
Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine, strongly denounced the attack and called on European Union leaders to speak out and demand a thorough investigation.
The Palestinian group Hamas also accused Israel and urged the UN Security Council to take action against what it called Israeli “violations.”
Al-Kheetan highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that the ongoing blockade, coupled with the complete closure to goods since March 2, had drastically worsened living conditions.
He warned that such restrictions “amount to collective punishment,” which is banned under international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime.
“As the occupying power, Israel is obligated to ensure the provision of food and medical supplies to the population or to allow humanitarian organisations to deliver aid,” he said. “We urge Israel to lift the blockade and permit the immediate entry of life-saving assistance.”
Since Israel began its recent bombardment of Gaza in October 2023, nearly 52,500 Palestinians — mostly civilian women and children — have been killed, according to Palestinian officials.
