VALLETTA - 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.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said its vessel Conscience, carrying aid intended for Gaza, was hit by drones off the coast of Malta.

A human rights group operating the ship blamed a drone attack for the explosions, which caused a fire on the vessel. The crew was safe and remained on board.