As we explained to editors in a complaint, it is merely the anti-Israel activists’ claim that the ship, which was organised by the “The Freedom Flotilla Coalition” – and includes one of the organisers of the 2010 flotilla, the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas linked IHH – was carrying “humanitarian aid”. There is no independent confirmation of the claim that their boat, “The Conscience”, was in fact carrying aid of any kind.
To the contrary, as Times of Israel reported, there’s reason to believe that the ship had been arranged by Hamas:
The Saudi Al Arabiya news channel, citing a Western security source, reported Friday that the aid ship had been arranged by Hamas and that those onboard planned to engage with IDF troops as they approached the Gaza shore.
Moreover, as Reuters’ reported, Malta (with a record of pro-Palestinian stances) itself has not yet been able to confirm that the cargo is aid:
Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Sunday that Malta was prepared to assist the ship with necessary repairs so that it could continue on its journey, once it was satisfied that the vessel held only humanitarian aid.. A Malta government spokesman said its offer was to assist in repairs out at sea once the boat’s cargo was verified to be aid.
Our complaint was upheld, and the language amended to remove the assertion that the ship was carrying aid.
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