Italy, Spain dispatch warships in defence of Gaza aid flotilla
Italy and Spain have deployed naval vessels into the Mediterranean to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), an international convoy of civilian aid ships bound for Gaza, after reports of drone attacks targeted some of its boats.
The flotilla, made up of roughly 50 vessels carrying aid and activists from more than 40 countries, came under drone assault in international waters near Greece. Organisers said stun grenades, flashbangs, and other “unidentified objects” were dropped on and around several boats, though no casualties were reported.
Italy’s Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, told parliament: “We have sent one ship and another is on its way, ready for any eventuality.”
While presenting the gesture as humanitarian, Crosetto also warned the flotilla against attempting to breach Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. He urged the vessels instead to hand over their cargo at Cyprus for delivery via alternative routes.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, confirmed that Spain would join Italy in sending naval support. From New York during the UN General Assembly, Sánchez said his government would dispatch a vessel from Cartagena equipped to assist rescue efforts if needed.
READ ALSO: Everything You Need to Know: The global sumud flotilla sets sail for Gaza
He also called for respect for international law, asserting that the citizens aboard the flotilla had the right to navigate safely in international waters.
Flotilla organisers accused drones and associated radio jamming of disrupting communication among the ships. They denounced these tactics as attempts to intimidate and deter their humanitarian mission.
The Italian navy has clarified that its deployed ship will not act as an escort but will be available for rescue operations.
In Rome and across Italy, the move has stirred debate. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has described the flotilla’s mission as “dangerous and irresponsible,” suggesting it could foment diplomatic tension.
However, the intervention reflects an emergent trend in Europe: governments under domestic and international pressure responding more directly to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
READ ALSO: Amnesty International Warns Israel: Blocking Gaza aid flotilla is an ‘attack on international law’
The flotilla’s stated purpose is to challenge Israel’s 18-year maritime blockade of Gaza and deliver desperately needed aid to the territory’s besieged population.
While Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the drone strikes, it maintains that any vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade will be stopped.
Observers say the presence of European warships alongside a civilian aid convoy could produce a geopolitical flashpoint and elevate the issue in international diplomacy.
For now, the flotilla continues its voyage through Greek waters, moving slowly toward Gaza amid heightened risk and close surveillance by various actors.
The coming hours will test whether the naval deployment is sufficient to deter further attacks and whether international intervention can reshape the dynamics around aid access to Gaza.
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