Italy and Spain Deploy Naval Vessels to Protect Gaza Aid Flotilla Amid Drone Attacks
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort to deliver aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, has been targeted by an unsettling series of drone attacks. In response, Italy and Spain have dispatched naval vessels to protect the flotilla and ensure the safe delivery of aid.
Background and Context
The Gaza Sumud Flotilla consists of about 50 civilian boats carrying passengers from 17 countries, including activists, lawmakers, and journalists. The flotilla set sail from Tunisia earlier this month with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region under Israeli blockade. The journey has been marked with difficulties, including repeated delays and drone attacks.
Details of the Attacks and International Response
Reports indicate that multiple drones attacked the flotilla near the Greek island of Crete, dropping unidentified objects
on deck and jamming communications. According to the flotilla's organizers, more than a dozen explosions were heard around the flotilla on Tuesday night, causing damage.
In response to these attacks, Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto condemned the incident and redirected an Italian navy frigate to assist the flotilla. Spain also announced it would send a naval action ship from Cartagena to escort the flotilla and carry out rescue operations if necessary.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Spain’s decision at the UN General Assembly, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Italy's move but urged the flotilla to offload its aid in Cyprus for delivery through the Catholic Church.
International Reactions and warnings
Israel has asserted that it will not allow the flotilla to break its blockade of Gaza, offering instead to let the vessels dock at Ashkelon from where the aid could be delivered. However, the flotilla's organizers and passengers have remained steadfast in their mission.
Human rights organization Hamas has called for escalating international support for the flotilla, warning against targeting it. Foreign ministers from 16 countries have expressed concern about the safety of the flotilla and warned against unlawful or violent acts against it.
Current Status
Despite the warnings and attacks, the Global Sumud Flotilla has vowed not to be intimidated. Sarah Wilkinson, a veteran British pro-Palestine campaigner on board one of the flotilla's ships, told QNN, You have to do something. You have to try everything. It became a necessity.
The flotilla remains the largest maritime mission ever organized to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. As the international community watches closely, the flotilla continues its journey under the protection of Italian and Spanish naval vessels.