DaysofPal – Spain and Italy have dispatched naval vessels into the Mediterranean to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a civilian aid mission bound for Gaza, after the convoy came under Israeli drone attack in international waters.
On Wednesday night, flotilla organizers reported “an alarmingly dangerous escalation” as Israeli drones and aircraft targeted multiple vessels with flashbang explosives, unidentified objects, and radio jamming that disrupted communications. The attack sparked urgent responses from Rome and Madrid.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament that a frigate had already been deployed, with a second ship en route “ready for any eventuality.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that Spain’s navy will also act, stressing that international law must be upheld and the rights of citizens from 45 nations on board the flotilla respected.
“The government of Spain demands that international law be complied with and that the right of its citizens to navigate the Mediterranean under safe conditions be respected,” Sanchez said from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly. He confirmed that a Spanish naval vessel would depart Cartagena on Thursday with resources for rescue operations.
The flotilla, now reportedly around 50 civilian boats, includes parliamentarians, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that Italian citizens and lawmakers are among them. Rome has demanded Israel guarantee their safety and act “with absolute caution” if it conducts any operations.
Flotilla organizers accuse Israel of systematically harassing the mission with drones and intimidation tactics. In a statement, the GSF urged UN member states to raise the attacks at the General Assembly.
Thunberg, making her second attempt to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza, said drones shadow the ships nightly.
“This mission is about Gaza; it isn’t about us. And no risks that we could take could even come close to the risks the Palestinians are facing every day,” she told Reuters in a video call from onboard.
While defending its citizens, Italy has urged flotilla activists to remain in international waters. Crosetto warned that Rome could not ensure their safety if they attempted to break Israel’s blockade, suggesting instead that the aid be handed over for distribution by the Catholic Church in Gaza.
Despite the risks, the flotilla has vowed to press ahead. “Israel’s intimidation will not succeed,” organizers said.
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