The Maltese government confirmed on Friday evening in a statement that no aircraft or vessel in connection with an attack on the Gaza aid ship "Conscience" entered Maltese airspace or waters at any point in time, reported Xinhua.
The Malta Maritime Security Committee (MMSC) "clarifies that at no point in time, during the past 48 hours, any aircraft or vessel, currently mentioned in local and foreign media in relation to the case of the vessel Conscience, entered Maltese Sovereign Airspace or the Territorial sea (12 nautical miles from shore)," the statement said.
"The MMSC will keep on monitoring the situation, whilst assistance will be provided to the vessel, according to what is stipulated under international law."
The ship with aid for Gaza was attacked by a drone just outside Maltese territorial waters, the international non-governmental organization Freedom Flotilla Coalition said in a message on X. The attack caused damage to the hull and a fire.
Malta's local media reported that all persons on the vessel were rescued, and there were no injuries. Local media also reported that an Israeli military aircraft hovered around Malta hours before the vessel was attacked.
In an earlier statement, the government confirmed that a distress call was received and that the authorities offered immediate assistance. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol boat was also dispatched to the area.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
