Pro-Gaza activists say Malta, Greece, Turkey threatened to confiscate drone-hit boat if it comes to port

A ship apparently carrying humanitarian aid and activists bound for Gaza that was said to have been hit by drones in international waters off Malta, remains stranded as a number of countries say they will confiscate the vessel if it comes to port.

The Saudi Al Arabiya news channel, citing a Western security source, reported that the convoy was organized by Hamas and that those onboard planned to engage with IDF troops as they approached the Gaza shore.

Video apparently taken after the explosions Thursday-Friday showed two large holes in the ship’s deck, with thick smoke surrounding the vessel. The person recording the footage said the ship had been hit twice.

The ship’s generator was badly damaged and will need to be repaired before continuing, says Charlie Andreasson, who has been involved with the so-called Freedom Flotilla for more than a decade.

It’s unclear where the ship will be able to stop for repairs, says Tighe Barry, a Codepink member who was among a group of activists who took speedboats to the Conscience after the attack.

The boats were turned away by Maltese authorities, he says, but one person made it aboard and spoke to the captain.

Barry says the nation of Palau revoked its flag from the Conscience prior to the attack, and authorities in Malta, Greece and Turkey have threatened to confiscate the ship if it comes to port.

“To get a new flag will take months, so they’re just stuck out there,” Barry says of the crew.