The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on Saturday for an "independent, impartial, and effective investigation" into the drone attack on a Freedom Flotilla ship, which was en route to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians, in international waters off the coast of Malta.

This was stated by Commission spokesperson Thamin Al-Khitan in a statement, in response to a question from an Anadolu Agency correspondent regarding the attack on a ship belonging to the Freedom Flotilla coalition.

The UN spokesman said they had seen "disturbing reports" about the incident, but added that they "cannot be independently verified."

He stressed that it is absolutely necessary for the competent authorities to conduct an "independent, impartial and effective investigation" into the incident.

He pointed out the need to ensure accountability as a result of the independent investigation.

The aid ship, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which was created with the participation of international initiatives and campaigns from around the world to stop Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, was attacked by drones yesterday, Friday, at 00:23 Malta time (+2 GMT), amid secret security measures taken to confront potential risks.

The attack caused a hole in the ship's hull and a fire in its bow, according to coalition sources.

• The Israeli siege of Gaza

The UN spokesman pointed out that Gaza has been subject to an Israeli blockade for years, and that this blockade significantly restricts the entry and delivery of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Al-Khaitan considered the siege imposed on Gaza a "collective punishment" against the Palestinians in the Strip.

He continued, "The blockade has been tightened in recent months, and since March 2, 2025, Israel has banned the entry of all goods into the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the already deteriorating humanitarian situation."

He pointed out that collective punishment is prohibited under international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime.

Since March 2, Israel has closed the Gaza Strip's crossings to the entry of food, relief, medical aid, and goods, causing a significant deterioration in the humanitarian situation for Palestinians, according to government, human rights, and international reports.

Palestinians in Gaza are entirely dependent on such aid after Israel's ongoing genocide over the past 19 months rendered them impoverished, according to World Bank data.