Some intelligence analysts believe that the “attack” on the so-called Gaza “freedom flotilla” overnight Thursday was a self-inflicted attack designed to divert attention from another vessel on the same route—an Iranian cargo ship en route to Lebanon to deliver weapons and ammunition, Ynet reported.

According to the theory, the “Conscience” ship was not attacked by Israeli drones, as the organizers alluded to, but instead suffered self-inflicted explosions. Regardless of the origin of the attack, the behavior of the ship’s crew following the incident was highly suspicious, choosing to be stuck at sea on a damaged ship rather than allow representatives of the Maltese government to board the ship to confirm that it is carrying “humanitarian aid” as they claimed.

Ynet reached out to the Maltese government regarding the report. As noted, Malta, which is considered pro-Palestinian and emphasizes its “commitment to humanitarian aid to Gaza,” said that it offered assistance to the ship and even sent a tugboat to help extinguish the fire, but the captain refused to allow the entry of a surveyor and police representatives to verify the contents of the cargo.

“We’re dealing with a situation where much remains unclear,” the official acknowledged to Ynet. “The Maltese government is holding intense discussions on the matter, and we’re examining every possible lead, including that theory.” He added that investigators are exploring the possibility that the explosions were self-inflicted.

According to a Saudi report, Hamas is behind the ship, and the crew members and passengers intended to engage in combat with IDF forces as they neared the Gaza coast. For this reason, Malta, Greece, and Turkey refused entry for the ship, threatening to seize it if it came to port. In addition, the island country of Palau revoked its flag from the ship prior to the incident.

Organizers of the ship contacted CNN overnight Thursday and reported that their ship was attacked by drones off the coast of Malta, adding that they believe that Israel was behind the attack.

The organizers lied from the outset, claiming that  30 “international activists” were left aboard the sinking ship for “hours.” However, the Maltese government said that it promptly responded to the ship’s SOS call and offered to evacuate the 12 crew members and 4 civilians found on the ship, but they refused.

The Maltese government also offered to pay for the ship’s repairs if its mission was indeed “humanitarian,” but the crew and passengers refused to allow authorities to board the ship.

“There’s no chance we’ll accept the Maltese government’s offer, which clearly favors collaboration with the criminal Israeli government over providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza or to civilians stranded at sea,” said Tiago, an activist from Barcelona who joined the flotilla. “There are injured people onboard, suffering both physically and psychologically. We demand that the Maltese government allow the ship to dock at one of its ports.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)