The Palestinian movement Hamas has strongly denounced the drone strike on the aid ship Al-Dameer, calling it a blatant act of piracy and “organised state terrorism.” The vessel, part of the Freedom Flotilla coalition, was attacked in international waters late Friday, roughly 17 kilometres off Malta’s coast, while carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to flotilla organisers, the drone strike ignited a fire on board and disabled the ship’s electrical systems, placing the lives of its 30 passengers—activists and volunteers from various countries—at serious risk.

In an official statement, Hamas condemned the assault as a “criminal act” that reflects the true face of the Israeli occupation and its continued disregard for international norms. It placed full responsibility for the safety of those on board on what it described as the “fascist occupation government.”

“We salute the bravery of the ship’s crew and all international activists working to break the inhumane blockade and confront the aggression against Gaza,” the statement read. “Their efforts expose the brutality of Zionist war criminals.”

The group called on the United Nations and the Security Council to take immediate action against Israel’s escalating violations and to ensure accountability for what it labelled crimes against humanity. Hamas also urged world governments to condemn the attack and end complicity in the ongoing siege.

The Al-Dameer, sailing under the Palauan flag, was part of a global initiative to challenge the blockade that has left over two million Palestinians in Gaza on the brink of starvation and deprived of basic necessities.