Reports have emerged regarding an attack on the “Conscience,” a vessel belonging to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, while in international waters off Malta. The ship, reportedly carrying humanitarian aid and activists bound for Gaza, was allegedly targeted by armed drones early Friday morning.

According to the Coalition’s statement, the attack resulted in a fire and significant hull breach, disabling the vessel and endangering its crew. Images circulating online corroborate these claims, showing substantial damage to the ship.

Maltese authorities have confirmed the safety of the twelve crew members and four civilians onboard. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has attributed the attack to Israel, although official confirmation is pending.

This incident raises serious concerns about the safety of humanitarian aid missions and freedom of navigation in international waters. Investigations are underway to determine the perpetrators and circumstances surrounding this act. The incident is likely to further escalate tensions in the region and draw international condemnation.

Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of Mohsen Langarneshin on Wednesday morning, accusing him of espionage on behalf of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. According to the official news agency Mizan, Langarneshin provided extensive logistical, technical, and operational support to Mossad from 2020.

He was further implicated in the May 2022 assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Colonel Sayyad Khodai. The judiciary claims Langarneshin provided intelligence and surveillance that facilitated the killing, for which Israel reportedly claimed responsibility to the United States. He was also accused of aiding an attack on an industrial site in Isfahan linked to Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.

Iranian authorities cited “extensive intelligence and technical evidence” and a full confession from Langarneshin as justification for the execution. This event underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel and the severity with which Iran addresses perceived threats to its national security.

The European Union High Court has ruled against Malta’s controversial “golden passport” scheme, demanding its immediate cessation. This decision, delivered Tuesday, stems from a 2020 application by the European Commission challenging the legality of Malta’s citizenship-by-investment program.

The Court determined the scheme constitutes “transactional naturalisation,” violating the principle of sincere cooperation among EU member states. While acknowledging national sovereignty in defining citizenship requirements, the Court emphasized that such powers cannot undermine the integrity and value of EU citizenship itself. Malta’s scheme, allowing citizenship acquisition through fixed payments, was deemed a “commercialisation” of EU nationality, contravening Articles 20 TFEU and 4(3) TEU.

Transparency International hailed the ruling, asserting its impact extends beyond Malta, preventing other member states from potentially exploiting similar schemes that offer haven to corrupt actors.

Malta has acknowledged the verdict and is reviewing its legal implications, pledging to revise citizenship regulations accordingly. Existing passports granted under the scheme, reportedly generating €1.4 billion for the nation, remain valid. The program previously offered residency, work, and study rights within the EU, extending citizenship to family members based on investments ranging from €600,000 to €750,000, property purchases, and philanthropic donations.