Italy and Spain have deployed naval vessels to support the Global Sumud Flotilla after the convoy of aid ships was targeted by drones in the Mediterranean.
The flotilla, carrying activists, parliamentarians and humanitarian supplies, set sail from Barcelona earlier this month with the goal of breaking Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
Italy confirmed on Thursday that it has now sent two ships to the region, with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto saying they were ready “for any eventuality.”
“We have sent one ship and another is on its way,” Crosetto told lawmakers in Rome, stressing that the safety of Italian citizens had to be ensured.
Spain also confirmed its navy would act, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing that a vessel would leave Cartagena equipped to assist the flotilla if required.
Speaking in New York at the United Nations General Assembly, Sanchez insisted that international law must be respected and citizens had the right to sail safely.
“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,” he said.
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Officials in Rome have also raised concerns with Israel directly. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the convoy includes Italian MPs, MEPs, lawyers, journalists and activists.
He added that Israel had been informed “any operation entrusted to Israeli forces must be conducted in compliance with international law and the principle of absolute caution.”
The Italian Foreign Ministry instructed its embassy in Tel Aviv to gather information and again press the Israeli government to guarantee the safety of those on board.
Global Sumud Flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla says it has grown to more than 50 boats, many positioned off Crete, before attempting to sail further south in the coming days.
Among those taking part is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who is on her second attempt to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza.
“This mission is about Gaza, not about us,” Thunberg said in a video call from her boat. “No risks we take compare to the risks Palestinians face every day.”
Flotilla organisers accused Israel of launching drone attacks against the ships on September 24 while they were sailing in international waters.
Passengers reported low-flying drones releasing flashbangs, stun grenades, and other unidentified objects onto and near the boats, calling it a dangerous escalation.
Overnight, activists said drones and aircraft repeatedly harassed vessels and attempted to disrupt communications between ships.
The flotilla described the incidents as “an alarmingly dangerous escalation” designed to intimidate the participants and force them to abandon their mission.
In response to the attacks, Italy deployed a frigate to be available for rescue operations. Crosetto condemned the overnight incidents but also urged caution from the activists.
He warned participants against pressing ahead into Israeli waters, saying: “We cannot guarantee the safety of our fellow citizens if they enter the territorial waters of other countries.”
Crosetto proposed that activists hand over their supplies to Italy, allowing aid to be distributed in Gaza by the local Catholic Church instead of sailing further.
Spain has taken a firmer tone, with Sanchez stressing that the flotilla includes citizens of 45 nations who must be allowed to travel unharmed.
He said Spain’s navy would be equipped to carry out rescue operations if required and reiterated that activists’ rights must be protected under international law.
The Israeli government has not directly responded to the allegations but has repeated its stance that aid should be delivered through Israeli ports.
It insists that all supplies entering Gaza must be inspected for security reasons and has warned the flotilla against attempting to breach its blockade.
Israel has enforced its naval blockade of Gaza since 2007, arguing it is essential to prevent weapons smuggling. Critics say it has deepened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The Global Sumud Flotilla rejects Israeli conditions, arguing that submitting aid through Israeli ports undermines its mission to challenge the blockade itself.
Organisers remain defiant, saying Israeli intimidation will not succeed. They have called on UN member states at the General Assembly to address the attacks.
Activists insist they will continue until their mission is either fulfilled or forcibly stopped, declaring their solidarity with Palestinians trapped under blockade.
