Maltese authorities have blocked the stranded Freedom Flotilla ship, which came under attack off their waters while carrying aid to Gaza on May 2, from sailing to Malta or receiving assistance from volunteers, Al Jazeera reports quoting the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC).

In a press briefing, FFC said Malta’s military “intercepted” a group of volunteers en route to aid the ship, named the Conscience, yesterday. Maltese authorities have also continued to deny the ship access to Maltese waters, “despite urgent SOS distress calls”, it said.

“The international community and humanitarian organizations must demand that Maltese authorities permit the Conscience immediate safe passage into Maltese waters, and provide all needed assistance as well as protection for the ship and all those on board,” FFC said.