An international NGO accused Malta on Sunday of impeding access to a Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ship which it says was bombed by two drones two days before, and Malta denied the claim, saying the crew had refused assistance.

Armed drones attacked the front of an unarmed civilian vessel twice, causing a fire and a substantial breach in the hull.” That there were no deaths or injuries was only down to chance.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says its ship was attacked by Israeli drones in the early hours of Friday morning and needs urgent repairs so it can continue its journey to break the Gaza aid blockade.