Malta has refused to allow a Gaza-bound flotilla into its territorial waters, citing serious concerns that the vessel may be carrying weapons under the guise of humanitarian aid.

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced Sunday that Malta is willing to fund repairs for the damaged ship, but only if it can verify that the cargo is legitimate humanitarian aid. “We are offering to pay for the repairs after we confirm the ship is, indeed, carrying humanitarian aid,” he told reporters. “But that’s far from certain right now.”

The Maltese authorities have grown increasingly suspicious after the ship’s captain refused to allow both police negotiators and a Transport Malta maritime surveyor on board. No inventory of the ship’s contents has been presented, further deepening fears that the vessel may be hiding arms meant for Hamas or other terror groups in Gaza.

Malta’s coast guard has flatly denied the ship entry since it sustained damage reportedly from a drone strike nearly three days ago. The vessel remains stalled in international waters just outside Malta’s jurisdiction.

“The crew’s lack of cooperation, refusal to undergo inspection, and failure to disclose what’s actually on board leaves us no choice,” Abela said. “Until we are absolutely sure this is not a threat to our national security—or to the region—we cannot allow this ship into Maltese waters.”

He confirmed that Malta is in communication with Israel “on a ministerial level” but declined to reveal details. He also noted that, for now, the alleged drone strike remains unverified.