Italy and Spain are deploying naval ships to assist an international aid flotilla that organizers say has come under repeated drone attack while attempting to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Activists with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) claim the attacks are a campaign of intimidation by Israel, which has vowed to block the vessels from reaching the besieged coastal enclave.
The flotilla, carrying over 500 unarmed participants including citizens of Italy, Spain, and Sweden, reported a dangerous escalation on Tuesday. The GSF stated that multiple boats experienced “targeted explosions” and had unidentified objects dropped on them, causing significant damage and communication failures just days before they were due to reach Gaza. A Spanish lawmaker on board, Juan Bordera, described the night as a “crazy, crazy nightmare” and called for urgent European intervention.
In response, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto authorized the dispatch of two Italian naval vessels, with one already en route for potential rescue operations. While the Italian government attributed the drone strikes to “unidentified perpetrators,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her “total condemnation” of the attack and announced an independent investigation. Simultaneously, she urged the flotilla to abandon its mission, calling it “gratuitous, dangerous, and irresponsible,” and offered a mediated solution to deliver the aid via Cyprus.
Spain followed suit, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing his country would also send a ship to assist the flotilla “in the event of any difficulties.”
The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions. Israel’s foreign ministry had previously warned it would take “necessary measures” to prevent the flotilla from violating its naval blockade. It offered to transfer the aid through the Israeli port of Ashdod, accusing the organizers of refusing a “peaceful proposal” and “pursuing a violent course of action.”
However, United Nations officials have raised alarms. Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, reported the flotilla had been attacked 14 times since departing Tunis, leaving four vessels damaged. The UN Human Rights Office has called for an independent investigation into the incidents.
This event echoes past attempts to break the Gaza blockade, which have often been intercepted or met with force. The deployment of European naval assets marks a significant escalation in international efforts to protect the aid mission and ensure the safety of its passengers.
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