Report: Gaza Flotilla Had Weapons, Organized by Hamas-Linked Activists

The “freedom” flotilla that set out from Malta to Gaza was carrying weapons and those aboard had plans to attack Israeli soldiers stationed at the Gaza sea border, according to reports.

While the Freedom Flotilla Coaltion group – responsible for a 2010 attempt at reaching Gaza with armed passengers who attacked IDF forces – characterizes the mission as peaceful, the Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya, cting a Western security source, reported that the flotilla was organized by Hamas, and that those on board had intended to confront Israeli forces near Gaza.

The Coalition shared video clips online that appeared to show one of its ships engulfed in flames, although the footage has not been independently authenticated.

“The Freedom Flotilla Coalition had been organizing a nonviolent action under a media blackout [sic] to avoid any potential sabotage,” the group said in a statement. “Volunteers from over 21 countries travelled to Malta to board the mission to Gaza, including prominent figures,” the statement continues, without naming any of the passengers.

According to the group, the vessel was hit twice by armed drones about 17 nautical miles (31.5 kilometers) east of Malta. The strike caused significant damage, including a hull breach and fire.

The vessel issued a distress call that prompted a response from Cyprus, which dispatched a ship to assist, the group said. The damage allegedly left the boat vulnerable to sinking.

The group accused Malta of violating international maritime obligations by not intervening sooner, but Maltese officials denied wrongdoing. They said a tugboat was dispatched and successfully contained the fire.

“No injuries were reported, and the ship’s 16 occupants refused to evacuate,” the Maltese government noted, despite the clear danger posed by the incident—behavior that could point to the sensitive or illicit nature of what was aboard.

“The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28 a.m. (23:28 GMT Thursday), the fire was reported to be under control. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was also dispatched to provide further assistance,” Malta’s statement read.

“By 2:13 a.m., all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug… The ship remains outside territorial waters and is being monitored by the competent authorities,” the government concluded.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition placed blame on Israel, however, the group offered no proof to support this allegation.

Israel did not issue a formal response, though a report shared Friday morning alleged ties between the ship and Hamas. “Some define the ship attacked next to Malta as Hamas-affiliated, and say that it was a sophisticated aerial attack,” wrote Yedioth Ahronoth’s military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua on X.

A similar mission by the same group in 2010 ended violently when Israeli forces boarded the vessel. Nine activists were killed in the confrontation after attacking Israeli troops with weapons, who sustained ten injuries. Other flotillas have been intercepted without fatalities.

Israel stopped permitting aid into Gaza on March 2 following the conclusion of the first stage of a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal with Hamas. The Israeli government maintains that Hamas routinely diverts humanitarian aid for military purposes.

This suspension of aid is part of a broader strategy to pressure Hamas into renewed negotiations.

Israel reportedly intends to overhaul the aid distribution system in Gaza to prevent diversion by Hamas, according toThe Times of Israel. No timeline has been announced, and doubts remain about whether such a plan is viable or enforceable.